Real Madrid Player Ratings vs Deportivo Alaves: 7/10 Casemiro the only positive; Rest get 6 or lower

Casemiro was the only bright spot for Real Madrid, as their winless run in La Liga stretched to three games courtesy shock 2-1 loss to Deportivo Alaves.

In what was a horrendous start to the game, Real Madrid were behind just five minutes into the game, albeit due to a contentious call as Nacho was deemed to have handled the ball from Victor Laguardia’s header. Lucas Perez stepped up to take the spot-kick, making no error in converting it to put Deportivo Alaves ahead.

Thibaut Courtois then ensured Real Madrid did not fall back further, making a fine stop to deny Perez his brace. On the opposite end, Fernando Pacheco kept Toni Kroos at bay. Alaves, though, went on to double their advantage early into the second half, courtesy a brain-fade by Courtois, who passed the ball straight to Joselu as Real Madrid saw their trail being doubled.

The hosts did pull a goal back late on through Casemiro, but it was too little too late. Now three games without a win, Los Blancos are six points behind Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid, who won their game against Valencia earlier in the day. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Zinedine Zidane’s men.

Thibaut Courtois: 5/10

A game of highs and lows for Courtois. The Real Madrid no. 1 made a couple of huge saves to deny Lucas Perez. However, he also gifted Alaves a goal when he passed the ball straight to Joselu, who scored the visitors’ second. Could not have done much to deny Lucas Perez from the spot after guessing the right way.

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Lucas Vazquez: 6/10

The best of the lot at the back for Real Madrid. Lucas Vazquez was a constant outlet down the right flank, playing in as many as 4 key passes. However, none of his chances were converted, despite his best efforts. Made a couple of key interceptions at the back, but Alaves also exploited the space in behind him.

Raphael Varane: 5.5/10

Varane tends to struggle against a two-man strike partnership and Saturday was no different. The Frenchman could not properly cope with the tandem of Joselu and Perez and was often dragged out of position. Having said that, he made a couple of big blocks that aided Courtois.

Nacho: 5/10

A horrible start to the game saw Nacho conceding the penalty, although it was arguably quite unfortunate. Thereafter, the Spaniard had a game to forget and left Varane high and dry on a few occasions as well. Reliable with the ball at his feet, though.

Marcelo: 5/10

Handed a rare start in place of Ferland Mendy, Marcelo had a night to forget – he’s having a lot of these lately. It was his error that gave Alaves the chance to pounce on Real Madrid before they won the penalty. Otherwise, he was often seen leaving too much space behind him. Duly taken off for Mendy, especially with his offensive output being negligible.

Luka Modric: 6/10

Decent enough display by Modric, who was a bundle of energy in midfield. However, the Croat did not manage to make a lasting impact, bar 1 key pass. A rare off day for a veteran midfielder who is still arguably on top of his game.

Casemiro: 7/10

Back into the starting lineup, Casemiro played a big role in ensuring that the defence was not overburdened, despite Nacho’s shortcomings. Indeed, the Brazilian often covered the spots left open by Nacho. Offered a threat in the box and scored the late goal that would have given Real Madrid some hope to salvage a point.

Toni Kroos: 6/10

Midfield was, in some ways, the saving grace for Real Madrid on Saturday and Kroos tried his best to make a difference. The German playmaker was even denied by a brilliant effort by Fernando Pacheco while he orchestrated play decently. Defensively, though, he continues to leave a lot to be desired.

Marco Asensio: 4/10

Another player making his return. Unlike Casemiro, though, Asensio was disappointing, yet again. The Spaniard just is not doing enough to earn the starts and against Alaves, he was anonymous for the most part and ineffective when he was visible. Back to the drawing board.

Mariano Diaz: 5/10

Mariano was handed a few opportunities to score but he aimed his shots straight at Pacheco every single time. Better finishing might have yielded a different result, although one or two times, he was under pressure from the Alaves defenders. Had an effort cleared off the line, though, much to his frustration.

Eden Hazard: 6/10

Another frustrating injury-hampered outing for Hazard. The Belgian had to be taken off after just 28 minutes on the clock and it is unclear how long he will be out for. Should have been awarded a penalty when he was on the pitch, though. Will now focus on returning quickly.

SUBSTITUTES

Rodrygo Goes: 5.5/10

On for Hazard, Rodrygo offered precious little despite being given over an hour on the pitch. Both his efforts were off target as well. The youngsters really need to start pulling their weight at Real Madrid.

Vinicius Junior: 6/10

Introduced in place of Asensio, Vinicius was an upgrade for sure, even though his end product was not always on point. The Brazilian, though, played his part in pulling a goal back, having his shot saved by Alaves goalkeeper Pacheco before Casemiro scored.

Ferland Mendy: 5/10

On for Marcelo, Mendy could not manage to get into the game, although he bolstered the defence with his presence.

Isco: 6/10

Sent on in place of Kroos, Isco tried to make things happen and did create a couple of chances. But, when he had the opportunity to level things up himself, the Spaniard, whose Real Madrid future is up in the air, came close but struck the woodwork.

Martin Odegaard: 5/10

Much like Isco, Odegaard looked to take matters into his own hands. However, he could not make a lasting impact.