Real Madrid strolled to a comfortable 6-0 win in Cyprus against APOEL Nicosia to clinch qualification into the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League.
Real Madrid may have been struggling to get going in La Liga this season. But, Los Blancos made sure their domestic slump does not affect their goal to defend the UEFA Champions League crown. The Spanish giants booked their place in the knockout phase of the competition with a resounding 6-0 win over APOEL Nicosia.
The entire team seemed to be on a song and we take a look at how each one of them fared on Tuesday.
Kiko Casilla – 6.5
One of the areas where Real Madrid seem short on quality this season, Kiko Casilla managed his space well on Tuesday, making three routine saves during the game. Collected crosses well and was a strong presence in goal on the night.
However, the clean sheet will not be anything more than a morale booster and Zinedine Zidane will hope the defence corrects itself in the matches to come, with too many chances created by the hosts.
Dani Carvajal – 7.5
The Spaniard seems to have shrugged off the infection well as he looked to be in his usual groove strutting up and and down the right flank with aplomb. While he did not directly contribute to any of the goals, his role was massive on the night as it enabled the wingers to continuously cut in without worrying about the flanks.
Dani Carvajal could face a three-game ban after UEFA charge Real Madrid defender for deliberately getting booked against Apoel https://t.co/P2hNmlkpOo pic.twitter.com/ONBi9vgnCi
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) November 22, 2017
Earned a dubious yellow card for time wasting and is currently under review for a deliberate attempt to earn the yellow card. Only blip in an otherwise solid performance.
Raphael Varane – 6.5
A routine night for the Frenchman. Not much to do defensively, the player did his job well.
Nacho – 7
Had a similar night to Varane, except the goal, which was a decent piece of skill in the six-yard box. The Spaniard was solid throughout and will look to build upon the performance.
Marcelo – 7.5
Marcelo is what Marcelo does. While having a similar role to Carvajal, the Brazilian is just brilliant in going about his job. He did add an assist to his ever-growing tally on Tuesday. Was subbed off for Theo Hernandez around the hour mark.
Toni Kroos – 7
It is very tough to differentiate the individual performances of the Real Madrid midfielders from their Tuesday outing. All of them did their part, like Kroos. The German controlled the midfield well, allowing Luka Modric to wander forward without much trouble. Passing accuracy of 93% and an assist looks good for the tidy midfielder. A performance to build upon.
Luka Modric – 7.5
That’ll do, Luka Modric. That’ll do. https://t.co/oiZ4QjZQ5W
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 21, 2017
Took the ball on the volley with brilliant precision and his technique showed in the goal. Was overall a constant thorn in the opposition defence. Positive signs of the midfielder coming back into his own.
Lucas Vazquez – 7
One would say Vazquez was unlucky to not be accredited with a goal or an assist. Was almost always in the thick of things and played a role in every attacking move that formulated. Would be hoping his performance gets him more minutes under his belt in the matches to come.
Marco Asensio – 6.5
A night in which he came out a tad bit selfish. Regularly trying his hand at goal and failing to find the back of the net pretty much sums up his entire outing. The Spaniard looked like a dolphin trying to do all tricks at once and failing to land any of them. Have seen much better.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 9
A day when Ronaldo proved once again why it is wrong to write him off. Often labelled as a selfish player, his assist to Benzema was anything but and he was constantly on the go. His header was lovely and the finish from the slightly weird angle while being pressurized was good. Will look to take this form into the domestic matches going forward.
Cristiano Ronaldo has assisted Karim Benzema 25 times, more than any other player.
Karim Benzema has assisted Cristiano Ronaldo 39 times, more than any other player.
Perfect duo ? pic.twitter.com/PWuD4KAzGJ
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@TheCRonaldoFan) November 22, 2017
Karim Benzema – 10
The undoubted star on the night, Benzema could have had more assists as well. Worked well in tandem with Ronaldo and others. Took his goal well, was constantly on the move and was a delight to watch. Came off for Borja Mayoral after the hour mark and will be unhappy to have missed out on a hattrick.
Substitutes
Theo Hernandez – 6.5
Almost had an assist as he squared a ball neatly inside the six-yard box only for Borja Mayoral to fail to help it into the net. Overlapping Asensio on a consistent basis, the player provided a good outlet.
Dani Ceballos – 6.0
Did have a little bit less than half an hour to influence the game. But, did not have much impact. Did not make any glaring mistakes either.
Borja Mayoral – 6.5
Looked lively when on the pitch. Starting to look more and more at home in a Real Madrid shirt alongside the big names.
