Player Ratings: Real Madrid 2-0 Valencia
Goals from Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos see Real Madrid ease past Valencia and keep up the pressure against city rivals Atletico Madrid.
Karim Benzema opened the scoring for Real Madrid with a beautiful strike after just 12 minutes following a quick pinpoint pass from Toni Kroos. The goal was Karim’s 12th in LaLiga this season. Just before half-time, Toni Kroos went from provider to goalscorer. The German doubled Real Madrid’s lead after some excellent buildup play from Los Blancos.
Real Madrid managed to score a third in the second-half through Mendy but it was disallowed for offside. The win sees the Whites move back into second spot and five points behind Atletico who have two games in hand. These are our player ratings:
Starting XI:
Thibaut Courtois: 7/10
Second consecutive clean sheet for Courtois. The Belgian didn’t have much to do throughout the game but remained alert to any danger in his box.
Dani Carvajal: 6/10
Carvajal started for the first time after a month on the sidelines. Unfortunately for the Spaniard, he only lasted 28 minutes before being forced to come off with another injury.
Nacho: 7/10
Another solid display from the ever-reliable Nacho. The Real Madrid youth product always delivers when called upon and today was no different.
Raphael Varane: 7/10
Ferland Mendy: 8/10
Toni Kroos: 9/10
When Toni Kroos plays well, so do Real Madrid. A fantastic performance from the German who assisted Benzema for the opener before scoring himself just before half-time. The difference maker.
Casemiro: 8/10
Casemiro’s importance in Real Madrid’s 4-3-3 formation can’t be underestimated. The Brazilian allowed Modric and Kroos the freedom to play higher up the field and hurt Valencia. An immovable object in the middle of the park.
Luka Modric: 8/10
At the heart of everything positive for Real Madrid. The Croatian ran the show alongside Toni Kroos and even came close to scoring a goal himself. Another outstanding performance in a spectacular season for Luka.
Marco Asensio: 6/10
Karim Benzema: 8/10
Vinicius: 8/10
Substitutions:
Vazquez: 8/10 – Came on to replace the injured Carvajal and made an immediate impact. Assisted Kroos for Real Madrid’s second goal and continued his fine form from before his injury.
Arribas: 7/10 – Came on to replace Asensio. The Real Madrid youth product combined well with his teammates. Good to see him get some more minutes.
Isco: 6/10 – Came on to replace Modric with 10 minutes to go.
Mariano: 6/10 – Came on to replace Benzema late on.
