Karim Benzema was in his elements while Eden Hazard was impressive as well, as Real Madrid cruised to a 4-1 win over Huesca on Saturday.
Real Madrid had to toil hard before they were able to break the deadlock, but not before having Huesca take the game to them. The opener came in the 40th minute and it was all Eden Hazard, who unleashed a fiery shot from his left foot, which swerved into the bottom left corner. And, at the stroke of half-time, Real Madrid were two to the good.
Hazard was involved again before Karim Benzema finished off the chance. Benzema was then the provider as Federico Valverde made it 3-0 in favour of Real Madrid before Huesca pulled a goal back through David Ferreiro.
The game, though, was put to bed by Benzema, who gleefully tapped in from Rodrygo Goes’ nodded ball. The result has taken Real Madrid to the top of the table, with Real Sociedad a couple of points adrift. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Zinedine Zidane’s men.
Thibaut Courtois: 6/10
Even though Huesca took the game to Real Madrid, there was not a whole lot that Courtois had to do on the day. The Belgian goalkeeper was forced into just one save all game and he had more work to do with his feet than he did with his gloves. Played the ball efficiently.
Lucas Vazquez: 7/10
Starting another game as a right-back, Vazquez once again impressed quite a bit. The Spaniard put in a shift defensively, winning 4 duels while also being a constant outlet down the right flank. Also ended up grabbing an assist, finding Karim Benzema for Real Madrid’s second.
Eder Militao: 6/10
Zidane chose to rest Varane for this one, meaning Eder Militao had a rare chance to impress. The Brazilian, though, was a shaky presence at the back at times, particularly when Huesca charged forward. However, he also won six of the seven duels he contested. Having Sergio Ramos alongside him did help.
Sergio Ramos: 7/10
5️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ La Liga games for Sergio Ramos ? pic.twitter.com/c9kkXqs3H3
— Goal (@goal) October 31, 2020
Speaking of Ramos, the Real Madrid captain was a composed presence at the back. The Spaniard organised the defensive line well for the most part and the adventurous side to his game shone yet again. However, he lost David Ferreiro for the Huesca goal, in what was the only major blemish for him.
Marcelo: 7/10
Back into the starting lineup, Marcelo had a busy afternoon at work. The veteran full-back won 9 duels and completed 6 tackles. Going forward, he carried a lot of threat, creating three chances on Saturday. However, he was caught out of position when Huesca pulled a goal back late on.
Federico Valverde: 8/10
A monstrous display by Valverde, who made an impact both on and off the ball. The Uruguayan midfielder was on the pitch for an hour but in that time, he ended up scoring a goal in addition to providing an assist, for Eden Hazard’s goal. Valverde, in fact, lost the ball just twice while also getting behind the ball smartly. A gem.
Fede Valverde in La Liga this season ??
7️⃣ games
3️⃣ goals pic.twitter.com/kS0CZtsBJ7— Goal (@goal) October 31, 2020
Casemiro: 6.5/10
Casemiro did the dirty job in front of the defence, which in turn allowed Valverde and Luka Modric the time and space to express themselves higher up the pitch. Kept things simple with the ball at his feet, losing possession just 5 times. Another player who was taken off to be preserved for the UEFA Champions League game against Inter Milan.
Luka Modric: 6.5/10
Modric was the most involved player on the pitch, having 108 touches on the ball while boasting a passing rate of 93 per cent. The Croat also played in a couple of key passes, won 5 duels in addition to completing an interception. A big reason for keeping Real Madrid ticking.
Marco Asensio: 6/10
Continuing his run in the side, Asensio was rather quiet against Huesca. The Spaniard did not see a lot of the ball, which meant that he struggled to make an impact. Looked in good touch when moved to the left flank, but on the right-wing, he was not quite effective.
Karim Benzema: 9/10
This might just be the game following which the Karim Benzema of 2019/20 wakes up. Looking purposeful in the final third, Benzema slowly grew into the game before finding the back of the net ahead of half-time with a fine finish. The Frenchman then assisted Valverde before scoring a goal yet again late on. A smart customer.
Eden Hazard: 7/10
?? @hazardeden10: "My best form will come in the upcoming matches, and we have another one in three days."#HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/Vrjxan24I5
— Real Madrid C.F. ???? (@realmadriden) October 31, 2020
Making his first start of the season, Hazard was a little slow off the blocks, losing the ball quite a few times in the early exchanges. However, there was no looking back once he found his feet before scoring a peach of a goal to open the scoring for Real Madrid. Hazard’s return ought to be a boon for Los Blancos.
SUBSTITUTES
Ferland Mendy: 7/10
On for Lucas Vazquez, Mendy continued from where the Spaniard left off, carrying a lot of threat down the right flank while being quite solid at the back.
Isco: 7/10
Isco, who is being linked with a January exit, was incredibly accurate with the ball at his feet, completing 24 of the 25 passes he attempted. Did well during build-up play.
Rodrygo Goes: 7/10
Rodrygo did not see a lot of the ball, but when the ball did find its way to him, Rodrygo showed superb reading of the game, particularly when nodding the ball down for Benzema’s second.
Vinicius Jr.: 6/10
Given the final half hour to impress, Vinicius Jr. looking like a man on a mission. The Brazilian set Benzema up for a fine chance, only to see the Frenchman fluff his lines. Nevertheless, a positive display.
Toni Kroos: 6/10
On for the final 20 minutes, Kroos helped see the game out without much of a fuss.
