Real Madrid Player Ratings vs Getafe: 8/10 for Marcelo and three others; Rest get 6 or 7

Marcelo was in fine touch, while goals from Karim Benzema and Ferland Mendy earned Real Madrid a 2-0 win over Getafe on Tuesday.

With a number of first-team players missing, Zinedine Zidane set his side up in a never-before-seen 3-4-3 formation. The shift in the system worked on the defensive front, as Getafe hardly posed a threat all through the game, but the first half saw Real Madrid struggle to carve out the openings. The chances did start flowing to some extent post the interval and the deadlock was finally broken at the hour mark.

Karim Benzema headed in Vinicius Junior’s precise cross. Shortly after, the game was put to bed when Ferland Mendy popped up to turn in Marcelo’s searching cross, as Real Madrid moved up to second on the La Liga table, five points off of leaders Atletico Madrid, who have two games in hand on them. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Zidane’s charges.

Thibaut Courtois: 6/10

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Easy as you like for Courtois, who was not forced to make a single save, with the Getafe attack kept at bay by the Real Madrid defenders all night long. Only misplaced passes when he went long.

Nacho: 7/10

With Raphael Varane playing a guiding role, Nacho was not too troubled, remaining disciplined at the back while also trying his best to link up with Marvin Park and push Real Madrid forward efficiently. The Spaniard completed an impressive 52 passes while also winning 3 duels. Solid effort.

Raphael Varane: 8/10

As was the case last time out, Varane made an impact with his performance on the pitch once again. The French international was rock solid in the sweeper role at the back, winning each of the 4 duels he contested, which meant he was never overpowered for a second. Has stepped up well lately in the absence of Sergio Ramos.

Ferland Mendy: 8/10

Deployed as a centre-back in the three-man central defensive unit, Mendy used his ability to read the game to snuff out the little danger that was presented on his side. The Frenchman won 6 duels in the game while moving the ball forward precisely. Surprisingly appeared inside the Getafe box for his goal and met Marcelo’s cross with composure. Top class.

Marvin Park: 7/10

Handed his first start for Real Madrid, Park was deployed in an unfamiliar right wing-back role. Did take some time to find his footing but ended up linking up well with Marco Asensio on his side. Misplaced just 5 passes and even set up a half-chance. Worked his socks off off the ball as well, in what was a pleasant sight.

Casemiro: 6/10

The change in formation affected Casemiro to some extent as he did not sit as deep as he usually does. Nevertheless, with Getafe hardly threatening Real Madrid, Casemiro was not forced into action all that much. Tad bit wasteful on the ball, the Brazilian completed 79 percent of the passes he attempted.

Luka Modric: 6/10

With Toni Kroos unavailable, Modric had the sole responsibility of making things happen through the middle. This time around, though, the Croat was not at his creative best, with most of the chances flowing from the flanks. However, the veteran midfielder did make sure he did not waste the moments on the ball while also putting in a shift off it.

Marcelo: 8/10

With Zidane lining Real Madrid up in a 3-4-3 formation, the expectation was for Marcelo to finally produce a performance to remember, and that is exactly what he did.

Right from the get-go, the Brazilian carried the biggest threat from the left flank, sending in a number of inviting ball, playing a game-high 5 key passes. One such inviting cross was also met by Mendy for the second goal. Such a baller when he does not have too many defensive responsibilities.

Marco Asensio: 7/10

Asensio might not have directly contributed to a goal, but he was one of the most creative players on the pitch on Tuesday. The Spanish international played as many as 4 key passes all while boasting a passing rate of 85 percent. Nearly set up Karim Benzema for a goal as well. Such a delight to watch when he is in full flow.

Karim Benzema: 8/10

As ever, Benzema put in a shit off the ball while looking to create space for his teammates with his movement. In the first half, the unorthodox formation meant he took some time to get going, but the Frenchman started to click post half-time. Took as many as six shots in the game, including the superb header for the deadlock-breaking goal.

Vinicius Junior: 7/10

At a time when his Real Madrid future has been called into question, this was exactly the kind of performance that Vinicius needed to put to make an impression on Zidane. The Brazilian saw a lot of the ball and hardly misplaced a pass. Most importantly, though, he provided the pinpoint cross that was converted by Benzema for the opener. Needs to build on this display.

SUBSTITUTES

Sergio Arribas: 6/10

Making only his fourth appearance for Real Madrid, Arribas showed a lot of energy but hardly influenced the proceedings. A part of his learning curve, though.

Isco: N/A

On for Asensio, Isco did not see a lot of the ball in the final 15 minutes, although he did complete each of the 9 passes he attempted, which, in turn, helped Real Madrid get over the line.

Victor Chust: N/A

Sent on in place of Marcelo late in the game, Chust made his Real Madrid debut and helped see the game out.