Player ratings: Real Madrid 2-2 Sevilla; 2020/21 LaLiga

After Barcelona and Atlético Madrid’s draw on Saturday, Real Madrid had a chance to go top of La Liga with a win over Sevilla but the visitors were the hungrier side at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium.

Karim Benzema saw a goal ruled out before Fernando found the back of the net in the first half. Substitute Marco Asensio equalised after only one minute on the pitch but VAR chaos handed Sevilla a penalty which Ivan Rakitic cooly converted. In the dying minutes, Toni Kroos magic earned the club a crucial point.

See full player ratings below.

Thibaut Courtois — 7: Wasn’t tested too much in goal but will be frustrated not to keep a clean sheet. Couldn’t do anything for the penalty, either. Finished with 87 per cent pass completion and one save.

Alvaro Odriozola — 7: One of the better games Odriozola has had in recent weeks. Acted as an attacking outlet for Real Madrid in the first half and put in a plethora of crosses. Also kept his pace up throughout the entire match. Finished with two dribbles, two tackles and one key pass.

Eder Militão — 5.5: This is lower than anticipated as Militão had a decent performance up until the handball in the box. It was a clear one, yes, as well as a costly one, but it’s worth noting it shouldn’t erase all the work he’s done for the club lately. Simply an unfortunate event. Finished with one shot and one tackle.

Nacho — 6.5: Decent performance tonight. Nothing too spectacular but got the job done. Partnered well with Militão and wasn’t afraid to move up into the final third. Finished with 95 per cent pass completion, one shot, one aerial won and one key pass.

Marcelo — 6.75: Captained the side tonight in the absence of Sergio Ramos and also had a decent showing. Finished with one shot, three key passes and three tackles. Subbed after 66 minutes.

Casemiro — 8: Played most of the match on a yellow card which forced him to be more cautious but was crucial in terms of maintaining possession and positioned himself all over the pitch. Finished with 90 per cent pass completion, four shots, one aerial won and two tackles.

Toni Kroos — 9: The best player of the night for the hosts (a usual statement). Led Madrid’s attack and kept them moving up top. Teed up a great chance for Vini, assisted Asensio’s goal and forced the tying goal. Finished with 95 per cent pass completion, one shot, one tackle and three key passes.

Luka Modric — 7.5: Like Kroos, Modric was instrumental in this match. Linked up with his midfield partner for the time he was on. Finished with 91 per cent pass completion, one key pass, two shots and one dribble. Subbed after 66 minutes.

Fede Valverde — 7.5: Earned a surprise start tonight up top on the right-wing and was very quiet in the first half. However, had a good defensive performance and eventually came alive after moving into the midfield when Asensio came on. Finished with 93 per cent pass completion, one shot, one aerial, two key passes and three tackles.

Karim Benzema — 8: Got off to a brilliant start after his thumping header found the back of the net but VAR ruled it off (just). Crucial in the build-up for Asensio’s goal and was again the victim of VAR after seeing his penalty disregarded. Continues to be Madrid’s attacking focal point. Finished with one shot, two dribbles and three key passes.

Vini Jr. — 6.75: It feels as though this is said after every performance, but Vinicius’ poor finishing eclipsed the rest of his performance. Missed an opportunity in front but it was a hard one to control. Later on, had a beautiful play to send Benzema on his breakaway. Again, needs to find the finishing touch we know he has but compensated with great stats. Finished with 93 per cent pass completion, three shots, three dribbles, two key passes and two tackles. Subbed after 79 minutes.

Substitutes:

Marco Asensio — 7.5: Talk about a super sub. Came on and immediately made an impact after linking up with Kroos and scoring the club’s first goal. Looked alert for the time he was on the pitch. Finished with one shot, 91 per cent pass completion and one dribble.

Miguel Gutiérrez — 6.5: Came on for Marcelo in a straight swap and had a decent showing. Looks to be another Castilla member quietly earning his spot within the senior team. Finished with one dribble.

Eden Hazard — 6.75: Dropped to the bench tonight after the Champions League clash with Chelsea. Had roughly 15 minutes to make an impact and in the end, somehow forced Kroos’ shot to deflect off Diego Carlos and level it for Madrid. Needs to have a better performance on an individual note, though (especially when the team need a goal). Finished with one dribble.