Marco Asensio bounced back sensationally while Karim Benzema was on fire as Real Madrid thrashed RCD Mallorca 6-1 in La Liga on Wednesday.
Real Madrid reclaimed the top spot in La Liga with a thumping 6-1 win over newly-promoted RCD Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night, led by the brilliant Marco Asensio and Karim Benzema.
Los Blancos started off on an ominous note, with Benzema finding the back of the net just three minutes in after some poor play at the back from the visitors. Asensio, who has been struggling for form and has been marginalised of late, then stepped up to make it 2-0 in the 24th via a rebound. Mallorca struck back immediately, though, to have the deficit through Lee Kang-in.
However, Asensio restored Real Madrid’s two-goal cushion at the stroke of the 30-minute mark with a calm finish. Nine minutes after the half-time break, the Spanish international completed his hat-trick against his former club before Benzema added his second of the night in the 78th minute to put further distance between the teams.
Substitute Isco also got into the goalscoring act late on to make it 6-1 and send Carlo Ancelotti’s men back to the top of the league table. Here are our player ratings for the Real Madrid stars after a resounding victory at home.
Thibaut Courtois: 6/10
Could not have done anything to stop Lee Kang-in’s mighty fine strike in the first period. Not called into action much before or after that but did make a good late stop. Distribution was fairly solid throughout.
Nacho: 6.5/10
Playing at right-back this time out, the versatile Real Madrid utility man did a solid job on the night. Did not let much past him at the back while also provided a decent outlet with some nice overlapping runs now and then.
Eder Militao: 7/10
Solid at the back, assured with the ball at his feet, the Brazilian is starting to grow in confidence with each passing game. Was not pushed by the visitors but dealt with whatever came his way fairly comfortably.
David Alaba: 7.5/10
That Alaba pass though? pic.twitter.com/YenrvR0Rd8
— الّون عاشقة الدون?❤ (@MsChnandlrBong) September 22, 2021
A slight mix-up with Militao early on aside, it was another impressive display from the summer signing. Not troubled defensively, Alaba offered great quality on the ball, setting up Benzema’s second goal of the night with a lovely long ball. Is steadily growing into a key player for Ancelotti.
Miguel Gutierrez: 7/10
Another positive outing from the youngster who was back into the starting XI on Wednesday night. Offered a good outlet going forward, and had some nice moments of link-up with Vinicius Junior. Steely at the back.
Marco Asensio: 9/10
Starting in the inside-right position in midfield, Asensio looked in fine fettle from the off and took all of his goals really well, the first one an alert rebound, the second a calm finish and the third a fiery drive from just outside the box. Could have had one or two more even. Having not seen a lot of game-time of late, the Spaniard provided evidence of what he can do once he gets going and needs to build on this fine display.
?? Marco Asensio finally score his first hat-trick for Real Madrid against his former club Mallorca.
⚽ 24’
⚽ 29’
⚽ 55’
He doesn’t celebrate. Respect ✊ ? pic.twitter.com/P3QesdgYyE
— Mozo Football (@MozoFootball) September 22, 2021
Eduardo Camavinga: 7.5/10
Making his first start for Real Madrid, new signing Camavinga, who was our Player to Watch in the lead-up to the game, was in control throughout his time on the pitch. Classy and composed when on the ball, mature when not in possession, the 18-year-old is already looking like a huge asset for Los Blancos.
Federico Valverde: 7/10
Another game full of energy and purpose from the Uruguayan international. Complemented Camavinga very well with his box-to-box role, providing the forward thrust when on the ball and putting the hard yards in defensively. Ensured Real Madrid never really lost control of the midfield battle.
Rodrygo Goes: 8/10
Getting the nod ahead of Eden Hazard on the night, the Brazilian prodigy looked up for it from the off, making some piercing forward runs. Had a hand in the second goal as it was his cross/shot that was deflected into Asensio’s path for the goal. Then set Benzema up for a goal early in the second half, only to see the strike get chalked off. Should have had a penalty soon after and was then involved in the build-up to Asensio’s third as well. Bright.
Karim Benzema: 9/10
Real Madrid have scored 21 goals in just six La Liga matches ?
Karim Benzema has contributed to 15 of them ? pic.twitter.com/2HxKTu4nkZ
— Goal (@goal) September 22, 2021
Simply sensational. Made the most of an early mishap from the visitors to open the scoring just three minutes in. Then went on to set up two of Asensio’s three goals on the night, while he also had a strike ruled out for foul in between these moments. Got his second goal late in the second period. Has started the season like a house on fire.
Vinicius Junior: 8/10
Continued his stunning start to the season with another eye-catching display. The Brazilian displayed great link-up play with his attacking partners throughout, combining with Rodrygo in the lead-up to the second goal before having a shot saved on the cusp of half-time. Set Isco up for the sixth goal and created another late chance for Luka Jovic.
SUBSTITUTES
Antonio Blanco: 6/10
On for Camavinga in the 60th minute to make his first appearance under Ancelotti. Solid and energetic.
Isco: 6.5/10
Came on in place of Asensio in the 72nd minute. Took his goal well.
Lucas Vazquez: 6/10
Sent in for Rodrygo with less than 20 minutes left. Manned the right flank well.
Luka Jovic: N/A
On for Benzema for the last ten minutes. Hit the woodwork late on, but was pulled for a foul.
Sergio Santos: N/A
Late sub for Nacho to make his debut for the first-team.
