Player Ratings: Real Madrid 1-1 Real Sociedad
A late late goal from Vinicius rescued a point for Real Madrid but the Spanish Champions fail to pile the pressure on city rivals Atletico Madrid ahead of Sunday’s Madrid derby.
Real Madrid started the game very well but failed to make the most of their opportunities. Los Blancos’ ineffectiveness upfront came back to haunt them as Portu opened the scoring for Real Sociedad with a brilliant header over Courtois early on in the second-half. Things nearly got worse not long after, with Isak coming close to converting off a Portu cross.
Real Madrid kept creating chances but simply couldn’t find the all important goal. It seemed like Los Blancos were heading towards defeat but Vinicius had other ideas. The Brazilian scored an 89th minute equaliser to salvage what could be a very important point in the race for LaLiga. The Whites now find themselves five points behind Atletico Madrid who have a game in hand. Our player ratings:
Starting XI:
Thibaut Courtois: 7/10
Had a relatively quite game bar the goal from Portu. Could’ve possibly positioned himself a little better but it would be harsh to blame him for the goal.
Lucas Vazquez: 7/10
Completely caught out of position for Sociedad’s goal. Other than that terrible moment, Vazquez put in a decent shift especially in attack. The Galician put in a wonderful cross that Mariano wasn’t able to convert. Assisted Vinicius for the equaliser.
Nacho: 7/10
Another solid display from Mr. reliable. The Spaniard put in a great shift and often found himself supplying crosses down the left flank to help Real Madrid find that elusive goal.
Raphael Varane: 7/10
Ferland Mendy: 7/10
Toni Kroos: 8/10
Another great showing from Real Madrid’s engine. The German was key in Madrid’s attempt to move the ball forward and linked up well with both Modric and Isco.
Casemiro: 7/10
Casemiro is Real Madrid’s second top goalscorer this season with five goals. Looking at the opportunities that came his way tonight, you’d expect him to do better. Despite the Brazilian missing a couple of decent chances, he can’t be blamed for this result. Casemiro can’t do everything.
Luka Modric: 7/10
Just like Isco, Modric had a very good first-half. The Croatian played a big role in Real Madrid’s chance creation but looked fatigued as time went by. Came off to be replaced by Valverde with fifteen minutes to go.
Isco: 7/10
Mariano: 5/10
Asensio: 5/10
Substitutions:
Vinicius: 7/10 – Came on to replace Isco around the hour mark and ended up scoring the all important equaliser.
Rodrygo: 7/10 – Came on to replace Asensio for his first appearance after three months out due to injury. The Brazilian looked sharp and came close to scoring late on.
Hugo Duro: 6/10 – Came on to replace Benzema late on.
Valverde: 7/10 – Came on to replace Modric with 15 minutes to go. The Uruguayan added energy and spark into Madrid’s game and was involved in the buildup to the equaliser.
