Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid played out a goalless draw in the first Madrileno derby of the 2019-20 season at the Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday night.
It was a tense affair at the Wanda Metropolitano with chances not coming frequently as both sides lacked that bit of quality in the final third on the night. Joao Felix had a great chance to hand the hosts the lead in the first period, but fired his shot wide, while Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos forced a couple of saves from Jan Oblak with speculative efforts from distance.
Post the break, the same trend continued with neither team showing the clinical edge in front of goal. Gareth Bale missed a couple of promising chances for Real Madrid while Angel Correa and Felix missed from decent positions for Atleti.
Karim Benzema seemed to have won it for Real Madrid with a powerful header late on, but Oblak made a fine stop to ensure the spoils were shared on the night. The result meant Real Madrid hold on to their spot at the top of the La Liga table, although that could change should Real Sociedad beat Sevilla on Sunday.
? FT: @atletienglish 0-0 @RealMadrid #Emirates | #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/NapSdq74ts
— Real Madrid C.F. ???? (@realmadriden) September 28, 2019
Here’s how we rated the performances of Zinedine Zidane’s men on the night against their local rivals.
Thibaut Courtois: 6/10
Whistled and booed throughout the game on his return to his former club, Thibaut Courtois didn’t have a whole lot to do in goal, as Atletico Madrid managed just one shot on target on the night. Made a good intervention on a dangerous cross from Kieran Trippier. Could have been more effective with his distribution from the back.
Dani Carvajal: 6.5/10
The Spaniard put was very solid at the back, especially in the first half when he completely nullified Vitolo’s presence, so much so that Diego Simeone subbed him off at half-time. Continued in a similar way after the break. Lacked the usual intent going forward, though, in what was a steady but restrained display.
Raphael Varane: 7/10
One of his most assured displays in recent matches as the Frenchman was constantly cutting out the opponents’ attacks. Strong in the air, did well to negate the threat of Diego Costa and Joao Felix for most parts. Booked after the break for a clumsy challenge on Felix and could have made better use of possession on a few occasions.
Sergio Ramos: 7/10
The Real Madrid captain was lucky to escape a booking early in the game, but made no mistakes from there on as he had little difficulty to keep the hosts’ attackers at bay. Dealt with Costa without much fuss and kept things tight and organized at the back. His return to form has coincided with Real Madrid’s improved defensive displays.
Nacho: 7/10
Once again filling in at left-back, the Real Madrid cantera was given a hard time by the onrushing Trippier, but held his ground, with a particular block to deny Costa an opportunity standing out. Offensively isn’t always as effective as Marcelo, but the Merengues’ best chances on the night came from his crosses – including the one from which Benzema almost scored.
Federico Valverde: 6.5/10
A surprise pick ahead of James Rodriguez, the Uruguayan international put in a decent display. The midfielder’s presence frees up Toni Kroos to get forward, which showed on Saturday night. Worked hard and helped out defensively, while keeping things ticking smoothly in the middle. However, he was guilty of being a bit too conservative with his passing at times. Subbed off for Luka Modric.
Casemiro: 7/10
Casemiro’s heat map. I swear to God we don’t deserve him. His workrate, his contribution to cover our defensive holes and cracks, and his ball transition, all impeccable. Our most important player. pic.twitter.com/ioNlGPakQY
— Taha ❄️?? (@DrTahha) September 28, 2019
Another solid display from the Brazilian international at the base of the Real Madrid defence. Has been pivotal in their recent turnaround of form and continued in the same vein as he screened his backline effectively although had a hard time dealing with Thomas Partey at times. Not much of a factor in the attacking side of things, but did what was needed of him.
Toni Kroos: 7.5/10
Real Madrid’s best player on the field on the night, the German international was in the zone as almost everything positive that the visitors conjured up in attack went through him. Crisp and accurate passing, Kroos also came to scoring twice from long-range efforts, only to be denied by Oblak on both occasions. Has improved a lot after the disaster in Paris.
Gareth Bale: 5/10
Returning to the starting XI after being left out of the squad in the midweek, Bale started off positively making some dangerous runs but faded soon. Had a great chance to hand his side a lead in the second period, but skied his effort after being set up by Nacho’s cross. Worked hard and showed willingness to track back, but needed to be more effective in the attacking third of the pitch.
Karim Benzema: 5.5/10
An underwhelming first period during which the Frenchman struggled to get into the game. Improved after the break and had the best chance of the game and seemed to have pulled it off for Real Madrid, only to see Jan Oblak pull off a world-class save to deny his header. Did little of note apart from that though.
Eden Hazard: 3/10
Back into the starting XI replacing Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid’s marquee signing of the summer put in a forgettable display in his first ever Madrileno derby. Still looks far from being completely fit, which could be seen as he struggled to go on his trademark jinking runs on the left side. Squandered possession too often and did little to impact things before being taken off.
Substitutes
Luka Modric: 6/10
Came on for Valverde with a little over 20 minutes left on the clock. Added impetus to Real Madrid’s attacking play upon entering the game, but could not help his team grab three points.
James Rodriguez: N/A
Replaced Hazard with less than fifteen minutes remaining. Did not see much of the ball.
Luka Jovic: N/A
Late substitute for Benzema.
