Player Ratings: Rangers 2 - Real Madrid 1; 2021 Preseason

Real Madrid travelled to Scotland to take on Steve Gerrard’s Rangers team. Ancelotti was only able to field 9 first team players, calling on no less than 8 cateranos to feature in the match. The Italian manager opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with Lunin, Rodyrgo Goes, and Martin Ødegaard standing out in a lackluster preseason performance. Gerrard’s Rangers were a well oiled machine, while Madrid still very much looked a work in progress.

Full match player ratings below:

Andriy Lunin—8.5: The Ukrainian was one of the few bright spots in a difficult preseason match. Dealt with an onslaught of shots (17 on target from Rangers) and made at least 3 critical saves to keep Madrid in the match. Can still improve with distribution from his feet.

Alvaro Odriozola—3.5: Slow with his decision making on the ball. The effort is never in question, but is the level required to be a Real Madrid player there? These are questions that continue to be asked of Alvaro Odriozola.

Victor Chust—3.5: Struggled in possession when pressed by Rangers. Overcommitted when isolated 1v1 defending.

Nacho—5: The leader of a makeshift backline, Nacho was forced to make numerous tactical fouls to prevent dangerous counter attacks, resulting in an eventual double booking.

Marcelo—3: The Brazilian will be quick to put this performance behind him. Scott Wright, Fashion Sakala, and Ryan Kent exploited the left back, who was both sloppy on the ball and slow in transition.

Antonio Blanco—5.5: The lone pivot in a midfield three with Ødegaard and Isco. Was spread thin trying to plug holes, but did demonstrate good tactical awareness by occupying the right spaces to recover the ball quickly. Felt outnumbered and overloaded with the defensive responsibility put on his shoulders.

Isco—4.5: Madrid struggled to retain possession in Rangers final third and struggled to maintain control of the match. Isco played deeper to help Madrid build out from the back, but failed to leave any true mark on the match.

Ødegaard—6: Recorded an assist on Rodrygo’s goal after igniting a ball carrying counter attack from Real Madrid’s own box. Drifted out of the match in the second half.

Rodrygo—7: Scored a brilliant goal — cutting inside from the left and deceiving two defenders with a fake shot before calmly volleying in the back of the net. Played with confidence throughout the match, but Ancelotti will want to see him get more involved from the left.

Lucas Vazquez—4: Caught on the ball in the second half and Rangers punished the mistake with an equalizing goal. Would prefer to see Lucas at fullback rather than as a right winger.

Luka Jovic—4: Had to play as a target man and was starved of any service. Dropped deep on a number of occasions just to get some touches on the ball. Dealt well with the physical presence of Ranger’s center backs, but little else to note. Was the only player substituted at halftime.

Substitutions:

Sergio Arribas—6: Replaced Luka Jovic at halftime and occupied the central channels on the pitch. Technically proficient in tight spaces and nearly scored a header after connecting with a Marcelo cross.

Miguel Gutierrez—6: Hit the post a few minutes after entering the match. The opportunity was created after combining with Marcelo (playing at LW) for a quick one-two passing interchange down the left.

Marvin—4.5: Entered the match for Lucas Vazquez on the right wing. Brought energy and pace, but was unable to create any dangerous opportunities.

Mario Gila—3.5: Replaced the injured Victor Chust at center back. Failed to properly clear the ball on a Rangers free kick, resulting in a game winning goal from Cedric Itten.

Ivan Morante—N/A: Entered late in the match, with little time to make an impact.

Carlos Dotor—N/A: Entered late in the match, with little time to make an impact.