Real Madrid and arch rivals Atletico Madrid played out a tense 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.
Real Madrid dropped to fourth place on the La Liga table after they were held to a draw at home and Valencia beat Espanyol 1-0 at the Mestalla. While they are in no danger of losing out on Champions League football next season, Zinedine Zidane will still be disappointed with the result.
Both sides played a out decent first half, where there were some penalty appeals and close calls for both sides, with Real Madrid getting closer. However, it ended goalless with the hosts dominating possession. In the second half, Cristiano Ronaldo volleyed home from 12 yards in the 55th minute to give the hosts the lead.
With the scores at 1-0, Atletico remained unfazed and took the game to Real Madrid. Antonio Griezmann then canceled out Ronaldo’s strike in the 57th minute, after Vitolo drew Keylor Navas out of his position and laid it off for the Frenchman, who made no mistake from 11 yards out.
Keylor Navas: 8
His stunning save from Koke in the second half was the highlight of his afternoon. Made a few other saves to keep his side in the game. Navas could do nothing for the goal after his defense lost its shape. That remained the only blemish in an otherwise good game from the Costa Rican.
Dani Carvajal: 7.5
Forced a stunning save from Jan Oblak in the first half. Had a good game and he got forward well, getting into space and causing Atletico problems on their left flank. Made some good blocks, put some good crosses for his teammates, created chances and distributed the ball well.
Raphael Varane: 8
Ensured that Diego Costa remained quiet the entire afternoon. Was fantastic in the air, winning all 7 of his aerial duels, made 4 interceptions and recovered possession for his side 10 times over the course of the game. A very good outing from the Frenchman.
Sergio Ramos: 7
Got close to getting on the scoresheet with a free kick and a header late in the game. Was at fault for Griezmann’s goal as he committed and broke his defensive line, but he seemed to have no choice. A fairly good game otherwise.
Marcelo: 7
His curling effort rattled off the post in the first half. As can be expected from the Brazilian, was involved in nearly every Real Madrid attack and was always at hand to support his teammates upfront from the left flank. Didn’t have too much to do defensively and made a few key interceptions.
Lucas Vazquez: 6.5
The only blemish in his game was the silly booking, which he picked up for diving. Was good going forward and in defence as well. The Spaniard completed 5 take-ons, 3 tackles and distributed well, but didn’t have too much luck in the final third.
Mateo Kovacic: 7
Trusted by Zidane to start in the middle of the park ahead of Luka Modric and Casemiro. Focused more on defensive work and didn’t do too much going forward. Was partly at fault for the equalizer as he failed to pick up Thomas Partey. Not his best performance, but not his worst either. Subbed off for Modric in the second half.
Toni Kroos: 7
Picked up a yellow card early in the game for a stupid tackle. Kept his side ticking in the middle of the park and ran the show in the absence of Luka Modric. Put in a few crosses and should have been awarded with a penalty after being tripped in the box by Juanfran.
Marco Asensio: 6
A quiet game from the Spaniard. Won’t do him any favours with Zidane with a performance like this. Seemed a bit lost at times and failed to try and impose himself on the game. After Bale moved to the left, he seemed to struggle in the centre and was subbed off in the 72nd minute.
Gareth Bale: 8
Put in a delicious ball from the left wing to set up Cristiano Ronaldo. Had a good game, completing 4 take-ons and winning 4 aerial duels. Started the game upfront with the Portuguese international, but moved to the left flank as the game progressed.
Cristiano Ronaldo: 8
Fantastic technique to open the scoring for his side. Besides that, he didn’t get too involved. Caused problems with his movement, but didn’t see too much of the ball and was taken off in the 64th minute keeping in mind their clash against Juventus this week.