Real Madrid player ratings as they came back from behind twice to play out a 2-2 draw against Sevilla, losing crucial ground in the La Liga title race.
Real Madrid seemed to have broken the deadlock just 12 minutes in when Karim Benzema turned home Alvaro Odriozola’s cross, but the goal was chalked off by VAR as the latter had strayed marginally offside in the build-up. Ten minutes later, it was Sevilla who took the lead, with Fernando firing past Thibaut Courtois to rub salt into the hosts’ wounds.
Having gone behind, Real Madrid created a few chances but were not able to beat Bono in the Sevilla goal up until the 67th minute, when substitute Marco Asensio found the back of the net with a lovely first-time finish. Soon after, it could have been 2-1 for Los Blancos as they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Benzema.
However, a VAR check revealed that Eder Militao had committed a handball in his own box prior to that incident, and it was Sevilla who got the spot-kick, which Ivan Rakitic converted to make it 2-1 in the 78th minute. From that point on, it looked like Zinedine Zidane’s side were set for a defeat but there was late drama as four minutes into stoppage time Toni Kroos’ strike from distance deflected off of Eden Hazard and into the back of the net for 2-2.
Casemiro then could have won it for Los Blancos in the 96th minute but his effort drifted just wide as the two teams ended up sharing spoils at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano. The result means the reigning champions are two points below leaders Atletico Madrid and level with third-placed Barcelona with just three games left in the season. Here are our player ratings for the Real Madrid stars after the draw on Sunday night.
Thibaut Courtois: 6/10
Ended up shipping in two goals but could have done little to stop either of Sevilla’s efforts. Did manage one straightforward save from Jules Kounde before half-time. Misplaced just three of his 23 attempted passes.
Alvaro Odriozola: 6.5/10
Handed a start at right-back, the Spaniard provided a good attacking outlet on the right side for Real Madrid, especially in the first half. Set Benzema up for the goal but had strayed marginally offside leading to the strike getting chalked off. Offered good energy throughout although became less of a presence going forward as the game wore on. Finished with one key pass and a couple of tackles.
Eder Militao: 5.5/10
The Brazilian had had a solid outing up until an unfortunate moment in the second half where he ended up handling the ball leading to the penalty which Rakitic converted to make it 2-1. Had managed to do quite well up until that time, though, keeping Alejandro Gomez quiet. Good with the ball at his feet as well.
Did @SevillaFC_ENG really deserve a penalty for this Militao handball? ?
? https://t.co/GBp01pFvEJ pic.twitter.com/BRuzcf03qu
— MARCA in English (@MARCAinENGLISH) May 9, 2021
Nacho: 6/10
A quiet, uneventful game for the Player to Watch in our match preview. Not tested a great deal defensively, with Gomez being taken care of by Militao. The arrival of En-Nesyri did give him a bit more to do, but Nacho managed to keep him away from the goal while also looking to drive forward when on the ball.
Marcelo: 6/10
Captaining Real Madrid in the absence of Sergio Ramos, the Brazilian had his hands full against the dual threat of Jesus Navas and Suso. And even though he had some problems at the back, the veteran had some positive moments going forward, making three key passes while he also sending a shot that went over. Came off with an injury in the second half.
Luka Modric: 6/10
Seems like all the minutes are finally catching up to him as the veteran midfielder was not able to influence the game as much as he would have liked despite having a few positive moments. Forced a fine save from Bono early in the second half and made one key pass before being taken off.
Casemiro: 6/10
Another player who looked off his best, the Brazilian was booked very early into the game meaning he was walking the disciplinary tightrope for the rest of the night. Beaten way too easily by Fernando for Sevilla’s opener. Did get in a few tackles in the middle of the park and tried to have an impact upfield, but was not able to. Could have won it late on but shot went narrowly wide.
Toni Kroos: 8/10
Toni Kroos has now provided more LaLiga assists this season (9) than any other Real Madrid player.
Marco Asensio applying the finish. ? pic.twitter.com/nopFz0R19k
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 9, 2021
The best player on the pitch for Real Madrid by a country mile. Constantly probed the Sevilla defence as he created a game-high four chances on the night. Set Asensio up for the first equaliser with a perfectly weighted pass and had a hand in the second one as well, as it was his shot that deflected off of Hazard and into the net.
Federico Valverde: 6.5/10
Starting on the right flank, the Uruguayan offered a lot of energy and industry, which was needed to keep the usually marauding Marcos Acuna quiet. Did manage a few positive moments going forward, making two key passes. Moved into midfield after Asensio’s arrival and continued to work hard, finishing with three tackles and an interception.
Karim Benzema: 7/10
Lively as usual at the top, the Frenchman thought he had broken the deadlock with a good header in the 12th minute but had to see the goal get chalked off. Continued to be the focal point for Real Madrid, forced a save from Bono before half-time and thought he had won a penalty in the second period although a VAR intervention saw Sevilla getting awarded a spot-kick instead. Finished with three key passes but couldn’t drag his team over the line.
Karim Benzema wins a penalty for Real Madrid.
After a VAR check, the referee brings the play back for a SEVILLA penalty.
Ex-Barcelona star Rakitic scores to make it 2-1 Sevilla.
LA LIGA IS INCREDIBLE ? pic.twitter.com/b5s84uCU45
— Goal (@goal) May 9, 2021
Vinicius Junior: 6/10
Starting on the left-wing, the Brazilian showed some flair on the ball when he ran at the Sevilla defence but was let down by poor end product yet again. Spurned a couple of decent scoring opportunities, seeing one of those hit the woodwork.
SUBSTITUTES
Marco Asensio: 7/10
Replaced Modric in the 66th minute and made immediate impact, finding the back of the net with a fine finish to get Real Madrid back on level terms.
Miguel Gutierrez: 6/10
On for Marcelo in the 66th minute, the youngster had some problems defensively but held his ground.
Eden Hazard: N/A
? | Eden Hazard ?? vs Sevilla
⏱ 16’
⚽️ 1 goal (94’)
✅ 100% accurate passes
? 1 shot on target
? 14 touches
? 2 ground duels won / 3
? 1 successed dribble attempt / 1#RMASEV #RealMadridSevillaFC (2:2) pic.twitter.com/Rcpw3ratxS— Diables Rouges – Red Devils ?? (@BelgianPlayers) May 9, 2021
Came on in place of Vinicius Junior in the 80th minute. A poor touch saw him spurn a half-chance soon after. Played a role in the late equaliser, although he did not have much idea about it as Kroos’ strike struck him and ended up in the back of the net.
