Real Madrid sealed a sensational comeback against Elche with a 2-1 victory at the Alfredo De Stefano Stadium in Madrid on Matchday 27 of La Liga Santander. The visitors took the lead with a goal from Calvo in the 61st minute.
Real Madrid made a whole host of substitutions and turned the match around just in time. Karim Benzema scored two crucial goals to seal the three points for Los Blancos. Zidane’s initial game plan did not seem to be working but his substitutions turned the game on its head. Here’s how Real Madrid players are rated in their 2-1 victory against Elche –
Real Madrid Player Ratings Against Elche
GK : Thibaut Courtois – 7/10
The Belgian had an average night in Madrid and could have barely done anything about the goal that was conceded in the second half.
RB : Lucas Vasquez – 7/10
Vasquez toiled hard at the right-hand side covering a lot of ground. The Spaniard could have been a bit more effective with his crossing in the final third.
CB : Nacho Fernandez – 7/10
Nacho was heavily involved in the proceedings at the Alfredo De Stefano and even made a few crucial interventions.
CB : Sergio Ramos – 7/10
An impressive return from injury for Sergio Ramos who lasted sixty-odd minutes on the field of play. Rodrygo came on to replace Ramos in the second half.
CB : Raphael Varane – 6/10
Varane could have certainly defended the first goal of the night better when Calvo got ahead of him and headed home the goal from a Morente cross. However, Benzema was there to save the day for Madrid in the end.
LB : Ferland Mendy – 7/10
The fullback was industrious down the left-hand side and kept things under control as he combined well with Varane and Kroos.
CDM : Casemiro – 8/10
The holding midfielder had an impressive evening as always and kept the Elche attackers at bay for most parts of the night. Casemiro was an imposing figure in the Elche penalty box as well and created a lot of chaos.
CM : Federico Valverde – 7/10
The Uruguayan midfielder was crucial in midfield and kept the game ticking for Madrid at all times. Valverde’s inclusion in the starting eleven enabled Luka Modric to get some deserved rest. Toni Kroos came on to replace Valverde in midfield.
CM : Isco – 7/10
The Spaniard was swift in midfield and kept the game under check with his ball control abilities. However, Isco did not seem very effective in terms of creating goals and made way for Luka Modric around the 62nd minute of the game.
ST : Vinicius Jr – 7/10
Vinicius did not seem very effective against Elche this evening. However, he was successful in causing some sort of trouble with a couple of threatening runs at the Elche defence.
ST : Karim Benzema – 9/10
A performance of true class from Benzema who led by example and ensured his side won all the three points on Matchday 27 of La Liga Santander. Benzema scored in the 79th minute with a well-directed header and then latched on to a Rodrygo assist to take Los Blancos in the lead in stoppage time.
Real Madrid Player Ratings Against Elche
RW – Rodrygo – 8/10
An impact substitution from Zidane that delivered the goods just before the full-time whistle. Rodrygo redeemed himself with the assist in the build-up to the second goal after a poor outing against Atletico Madrid.
CM : Luka Modric – 8/10
Modric came on to replace Isco and delivered a sumptuous ball to Karim Benzema in the build-up to the first goal. Another substitution that made the difference for Zidane.
CM : Toni Kroos – 7/10
Kroos linked up well with his teammates just prior to the first goal. He was a good introduction in midfield.
ST : Eden Hazard – NA
Played too little to be rated.
