Player Ratings: Villarreal 2-3 Real Madrid – Copa del Rey 2022/23
A sensational second half performance from Real Madrid sees them book their place in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.
Villarreal were up 2-0 at half-time and were comfortably the better side. The introduction of Dani Ceballos in the second half paid dividends for Los Blancos who looked a completely different team after the Spaniard’s introduction.
Second half goals from Vinicius, Militao and Ceballos made sure Real Madrid didn’t get knocked out of two cup competitions in the same week. Despite the terrible first half, Carlo Ancelotti will be delighted with the way his team fought back to win the game.
Player ratings:
Starting XI:
Thibaut Courtois: 7/10
Should’ve arguably done better to stop Capoue’s opener. Made a number of big saves in the first half that kept his team in the game.
Nacho: 5/10
Got beaten far too easily down the right in the first half. The Spaniard improved after the break but won’t be happy with his performance tonight.
Eder Militao: 9/10
Brilliant performance from the Brazilian. Militao made a crucial tackle just before Vinicius’ goal, scored the equaliser and then also made an excellent block before Ceballos’ winner. Impressive shift on both ends of the pitch.
Antonio Rüdiger: 6/10
Started the game very poorly. The German looked a lot more like himself after the break, displaying the strength and aggression that made him so good last season.
Ferland Mendy: 6.5/10
Vinicius Jr: 8/10
Substitutions:
Dani Ceballos: 10/10 – Came on to replace Toni Kroos. The Spaniard completely changed the game, assisting Vinicius for Madrid’s opener before scoring the late winner. Brilliant performance with so much energy and much needed fight.
Marco Asensio: 7/10 – Came on to replace Rodrygo. The Spaniard assisted Ceballos for the winner.
