A late Cristiano Ronaldo goal helped Real Madrid secure all three points at the Santiago Bernabeu against a fiesty Malaga side.
It was a largely unconvincing victory against a relentless Malaga side. Zidane’s men squandered their lead twice, before a Cristiano Ronaldo goal (which was initially a saved penalty), just managed to get them over the line.
Malaga were helped by some terrible defensive lapses and silly passing amongst the Real Madrid personnel and had it not been for those, the defending champions would’ve likely enjoyed a more comfrotable victory. Zidane did have a fair share of injuries to deal with, but that will be no excuse for not putting in a better shift against a side that had won only 2 matches prior to this match.
Kiko Casilla: 5/10
Unlikely to have too many days like this in while in a Real Madrid shirt. Could’ve done better with the second goal but could do nothing for the first.
Dani Carvajal: 7/10
The Spaniard had a good game down the right flank and wasn’t afraid to bombard forward. Seems to have recovered completely after injury and was amongst Zidane’s best players on the night. Defended and recovered well and maintained a high passing accuracy going forward.
Jesus Vallejo: 5/10
Talented though he may be, this kind of performance won’t help his cause with his manager. Should’ve done a better at preventing the first goal and his inexperience was evident. He tackled and intercepted well however, and will get better as time goes on. Unlikely to start anytime soon if Nacho or Ramos are fit.
Rapahel Varane: 7/10
The Frenchman was at fault for Malaga’s second goal. Besides that, he had a good game in the middle of defence. Recovered possession for his side well, made a number of key interceptions and distributed well. Was lucky to be let off without a booking however.
Marcelo: 6/10
An off day for the Brazilian, who still seems to be finding his feet after recovering and returning from injury. Did well going forward and played a role in Benzema’s opener, but his defence wasn’t upto the mark and Zidane had to bring on Theo Hernandez to help relieve some pressure off of the 29-year-old.
Casemiro: 8/10
The Brazilian midfielder did well tonight, one of Real’s better performing players. Scored a fine goal to give his side the lead for the second time. It was his fourth goal of the season. Contributed well in breaking up the visitors’ attacks and helped initiate attacks as well.
Lucas Vazquez: 6/10
Ran tirelessly as he looked to contribute to his side’s cause and had a solid penalty appeal waved off, perhaps wrongfully. His final ball wasn’t good enough however, but he was a constant thorn on the flanks of the Malaga defence.
Toni Kroos: 6/10
Set up Casemiro’s second goal, but that was his only major contribution to his side. Made a silly pass in his half that led to Malaga scoring an equalizer. Besides those two instances, he did distribute the ball around well for the most part. Not a good day for the usually faultless German.
Isco: 6/10
A rare off day for the Spaniard. Started off well, and was Real’s most accurate passer in the final third. Distributed well and pulled the strings in midfield but seem to completely fade off in the second half. Seemingly lost creative spark and made way for Luka Modric 17 minutes in the second half.
Cristiano Ronaldo: 7/10
Yet another frustrating evening for the Portuguese international. He missed a penalty, but scored what would eventually prove to be the winner off the rebound and Benzema scored off the rebound of his header. He did miss a fair few opportunities, and Roberto being in form didn’t help his cause.
Karim Benzema: 7/10
Not his best day in a Madrid shirt, but the goal will undoubtedly do his confidence a world of good. Opened the scoring early on the game with a fine, poacher’s finish.
Itwas only his second La Liga goal this season and his 5th in all competitions this season. However, it was this third in 2 games and fans will hope that this sparks a return to from for the Frenchman.
Substitutes
Luka Modric: 8/10
Brought on for Isco in the in 62nd minute and took charge of the game. Dsitributed well and brought a level of composure to Los Blancos’ midfield. Won the penalty that eventually led to Ronaldo scoring the winner.