Player Ratings: Celta Vigo 1-3 Real Madrid
Karim Benzema scores twice before assisting Marco Asensio for Real Madrid’s third as Los Blancos move to just three points behind LaLiga leaders Atletico Madrid.
Benzema opened the scoring after 20 minutes with Toni Kroos assisting the Frenchman. The pair combined again minutes later. This time the German robbed Tapia in possession before passing to Karim who finished with aplomb. Celta managed to claw a goal back just before half-time with Denis Suarez floating in a free-kick into the area and Santi Mina guiding a header past Courtois.
In the second-half, Celta were the better side and managed to give Real Madrid a couple of nervy moments. The Whites managed to weather the storm before putting the icing on the cake with Benzema assisting Asensio to make it 3-1 in the final minute of added time. These are our player ratings:
Starting XI:
Thibaut Courtois: 7/10
A relatively comfortable outing for the Belgian. Courtois was tested throughout the game but was never really troubled. Couldn’t do much to stop Celta’s goal.
Lucas Vazquez: 7/10
Not the best of performances from an attacking sense, however, Vazquez was solid in defence and didn’t allow Celta to create any opportunities from his flank.
Raphael Varane: 7/10
Varane did his job well when he needed to and kept Celta’s attackers under wraps. Routine performance from the French world cup winner.
Nacho: 8/10
Ferland Mendy: 7/10
Toni Kroos: 9/10
Yet another incredible performance from Toni who is having a remarkably good season. Assisted Benzema for both of the Frenchman’s goals before being substituted on the 70 minute mark.
Casemiro: 7/10
Having missed the midweek match against Atalanta through suspension, Casemiro slotted straight back into the starting XI against Celta. The Brazilian didn’t look very comfortable in the first-half but his performance drastically improved after the break.
Luka Modric: 8/10
With Zidane changing the formation from a 4-3-3 to a 4-1-4-1, Modric occupied a more advanced role. The Croatian did not look out of place and was excellent with his press and his forward passes, especially in the first-half. Luka looked a little fatigued in the second-half but that’s no surprise given his age and the amount of matches being played at the moment.
Fede Valverde: 7/10
Karim Benzema: 10/10
Vinicius Jr: 6/10
Asensio: 7/10 – Came on to replace Toni Kroos as Zidane reverted to a 4-3-3 formation. The Spaniard, just like against Atalanta in midweek, scored coming off the bench.
