Player Ratings: Villarreal 1-1 Real Madrid

It has now been four consecutive seasons where Real Madrid have drawn against Villarreal at ‘La Ceramica’. Real Madrid started the game excellently with Mariano Diaz scoring inside two minutes.  He pounced on a cross from Dani Carvajal to head the ball past Sergio Asenjo. Mariano’s goal was enough to see Real Madrid lead at half-time.

Real Madrid managed to stay ahead until the 76th minute when Villarreal left-back, Estupiñan, was brought down by Courtois. Moreno made no mistake from the spot to level the score. These are our player ratings:

Starting XI:

Thibaut Courtois: 6/10

Made a string of fine saves before conceding the penalty that led to Villarreal’s equaliser. Guessed the right way for the spot kick but couldn’t get a hand on the ball.

Dani Carvajal: 7/10

His first match back since his injury. Dani showed why he’s so important to this team delivering the cross that led to the opener. Excellent for the team to finally have him playing again.

Raphael Varane: 7/10

One of Varane’s better performance’s this season. Captained the team in Ramos’ absence and led the team well from the back. A confidence boosting performance.

Nacho: 7/10

Solid performance from Nacho. The ever reliable Spaniard was barely troubled and covered for the injured Ramos with ease.

Ferland Mendy: 7/10

As reliable as ever. The left-back attacked when he had the opportunity to and defended well against Villarreal’s attacks. One of Madrid’s most consistent players this season.

Martin Odegaard: 6/10

Combined well with Kroos and Modric in the middle of the park but couldn’t stamp his authority on proceedings. Was replaced by Isco in the second-half.

Toni Kroos: 7/10

An excellent performance from the German pass master. Dropped deep to cover for Casemiro and was Real Madrid’s outlet playing out from the back.

Luka Modric: 7/10

Modric looks like he’s 25 again. The Croatian was once again Real Madrid’s most active midfielder. Constantly looked to create chances and move the ball forward.

Lucas Vazquez: 6/10

Mariano Diaz: 7/10

With both Karim Benzema and Luka Jovic missing, Mariano stepped up when he was needed the most. Converted Carvajal’s cross to score his first goal of the season for Real Madrid and was constantly disrupting Villarreal’s backline.

Eden Hazard: 6/10

Substitutions:

Vinicius Jr: 5/10 – Had a tough time going forward and continuously lost the ball.

Isco: 5/10 – Didn’t make much of an impact coming off the bench.

Asensio: N/A