Player Ratings: Real Madrid 2-0 Granada
Real Madrid win for the fifth consecutive time in LaLiga and as a result move level with Atletico Madrid at the top of LaLiga.
Real Madrid started the game very slowly with Varane nearly gifting Granada a goal inside the first two minutes. It took Real Madrid until the second-half to get into gear. Substitute Asensio came close with a brilliant acrobatic effort that hit the post.
A few minutes later Real Madrid managed to find the opener after Asensio had picked out Casemiro with a wonderful cross. The Brazilian made no mistake and expertly slotted it past Rui Silva to make it 1-0. Karim Benzema eventually doubled Los Blancos’ lead in stoppage time scoring his eighth goal of the LaLiga season. These are our player ratings:
Starting XI:
Thibaut Courtois: 7/10
Made a great save in the second-half but overall a very quiet night for the Belgian.
Dani Carvajal: 7/10
Constantly looked to create chances down the right flank and was solid defensively.
Raphael Varane: 6/10
Yet another shaky performance from the Frenchman. Never looked comfortable on the ball and nearly cost Real Madrid a goal inside the first two minutes.
Sergio Ramos: 7/10
Ferland Mendy: 7/10
Toni Kroos: 8/10
With Modric not available, it was down to Kroos to get things moving in midfield. The German started the game slowly but moved up a gear or two in the second-half.
Casemiro: 8/10
One of Casemiro’s better performances this season. The Brazilian was key in winning the midfield battle and also managed to grab the all important opening goal.
Fede Valverde: 7/10
Came in for the injured Modric. The Uruguayan looked to stretch the Granada defense and open up space for his teammates. He missed a great opportunity to open the scoring after a great pass from Asensio to set him up.
Lucas Vazquez: 7/10
Karim Benzema: 8/10
Rodrygo: 7/10
Substitutions:
Asensio: 8/10 – Came on to replace the injured Rodrygo and changed the game for Real Madrid. The Spaniard came to life in the second-half and nearly scored what would’ve been the goal of the season. Provided the assist for Casemiro’s opener with a beautiful cross. Asensio’s best performance since coming back from that horrible injury.
Isco: 6/10 – Came on to replace Valverde as Zidane looked to add some creativity into the midfield.
Vinicius: 6/10 – Came on to replace Vazquez. Barely had the chance to touch the ball during his short cameo on the pitch.
