An own goal from Kiko Olivas and a Sergio Ramos penalty fired Real Madrid to a 2-0 victory over Real Valladolid on Saturday.
Real Madrid brought an end to their five-match winless streak in the Spanish top flight, as they defeated Real Valladolid 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday evening.
In what was their first La Liga game under interim manager Santiago Solari, following the sacking of Julen Lopetegui, Real Madrid seemed to lack the cutting edge in the final third as the visitors’ rearguard defended solidly to frustrate their illustrious opponents.
With both teams failing to make a breakthrough heading into the final ten minutes, it seemed like the game would end in a goalless stalemate. However, Real Madrid starlet Vinicius Junior forced an own goal from Olivas in the 83rd minute, before captain Ramos dispatched a nerveless penalty to seal three points.
It was an uninspiring display from the Merengues and considering that Valladolid struck the woodwork twice in the game, they should count themselves lucky to have come away with a win. The result sees Real Madrid move into sixth spot on the La Liga standings with 17 points from 11 games.
? FT: @RealMadrid 2-0 @realvalladolid (Kiko Olivas (og) 83', @SergioRamos 88' (p)).#Emirates | #RMLiga pic.twitter.com/KKsvc6gWk4
— Real Madrid C.F. ???? (@realmadriden) November 3, 2018
Here’s how Los Blancos’ stars fared in Solari’s second game in charge.
Thibaut Courtois: 7/10
The Belgian shot stopper did not have a whole lot to do, but was alert whenever he was called into action. Made a great stop to keep Ruben Alcaraz’s deflected strike out, before denying Toni Villa from close range with another sharp save.
Alvaro Odriozola: 5/10
After a brilliant performance in the Copa Del Rey game in the midweek, the summer signing struggled to maintain the same level on Saturday. Raided down the right flank at every possible opportunity, but his end product left a lot to be desired. Defensively too, Odriozola was vulnerable against Valladolid’s counter attacks.
Nacho: 5.5/10
Into the side due to Raphael Varane’s absence due to injury, the Real Madrid academy man failed to convince once again. Looked shaky each time Enes Unal had a go at him but did not make any errors and dealt with the threat to ensure his side came away with a clean sheet. Distributed well out from the back.
Sergio Ramos: 7/10
The Real Madrid captain kept things simple and uncomplicated at the back, dealing with whatever Valladolid threw his way without much of a fuss. Led the team well and capped off a good evening with a brilliant Panenka penalty to kill the game off.
Sergio Reguilon: 8/10
Easily the biggest positive for Real Madrid from Saturday’s game. Making his La Liga debut, Reguilon put in a fine all-round display against Valladolid. Offered a constant outlet on the left side throughout the ninety minutes and delivered some inviting crosses into the box. Defended solidly and was a reliable presence at the back. An excellent league debut for the 21-year-old.
Luka Modric: 5/10
The Croatian international’s torrid start to the season continued against Valladolid as he found himself struggling to keep up with the pace of the game, especially in the first period. There was a slight improvement after the break, but left his team vulnerable defensively, while offering little in attack. Looked weary and needs a bit of a time out.
Casemiro: 6.5/10
The Brazilian international came close to opening the scoring with three headers from set-piece situations and forced a save from Jordi Masip with a long-range effort. Did his defensive duties ably as well, but was hooked off for Isco as Solari looked to add more creativity on the field.
Toni Kroos: 5.5/10
The German pass master was not his assured self in the middle of the park for Real Madrid on Saturday. Uncharacteristically misplaced a number of passes and failed to contain Valladolid each time they broke on the counter. Distribution was too lateral and passive on occasions.
Gareth Bale: 4/10
Another poor outing for the man who was supposed to fill the vacancy left behind by Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure. Had a couple of headed efforts which were saved quite easily by the Valladolid keeper. Lacked the attacking intent and looked to play it safe rather than take on the visiting defenders. Subbed off to whistles and boos from the fans.
Karim Benzema: 4.5/10
The Frenchman squandered two great opportunities to hand Real Madrid the lead in the first period and his general play at the top of the attack left a lot to be desired. Spent most of the game on the fringes, but seemed to have come to life in the last ten minutes, as he won the penalty leading to Madrid’s second. Still a poor display from the Merengues’ first-choice striker.
Marco Asensio: 6/10
The Spanish winger started off on a bright note, creating a chance for Benzema with a sublime pass early on before he fashioned another opportunity that Bale failed to convert. Seemed to fade rather rapidly after a positive first half though and was taken off for Vinicius.
Substitutes
Isco: 5.5/10
Replaced Casemiro in the 56th minute and slotted in the No. 10 role. Moved the ball well, but did not have a major impact on the proceedings.
Lucas Vazquez: 5/10
Came on for Bale in the 71st minute to make his 150th appearance for the Spanish capital club. Offered industry and work rate in plenty, but no quality end product.
Vinicius Junior: 7.5/10
Thrown in for Asensio with just a little over 15 minutes left on the clock. Altered the course of the game after coming on. Added more intent and purpose to Madrid’s attack, ran at defenders and forced the own goal that broke the deadlock, albeit with a wayward cross. Played Benzema in with a clever pass before the Frenchman was fouled, leading to the penalty. Impact substitute.
