Late drama unfolded at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium with Real Valladolid snatching a late equaliser against the run of play. The two sides played out to a 1-1 draw on La Liga Santander’s Matchday 2.
Real Madrid will be undoubtedly disappointed with the result after having dominated the game for the entire ninety minutes. Zidane’s men were absolutely determined on winning all the battles during the game but failed to make the most of the opportunities created by them. The build-up play was phenomenal, but the end-product was all that was lacking. At the end, that cost Los Blancos two massive points.
Neither of the sides were able to break the deadlock until the last ten minutes of the game. Karim Benzema gave Real Madrid the lead in the 82nd-minute. Los Blancos were only successful in holding onto the lead for six minutes until Sergi Guardiola scored after a sloppy bit of possession play from Toni Kroos and Marcelo.
The refereeing seemed very much to the point for the game, and four yellow cards were handed out in total. Here’s how Real Madrid’s players fared in the one apiece draw in front of the fans.
Thibaut Courtois – 6/10
The Belgian was untested for large chunks of the game and ended up conceding a goal through his legs.
Dani Carvajal – 7/10
The Spaniard certainly did not put in his best performance in the evening. Carvajal looked rusty and will need to get the hang of things as the season progresses.
Raphael Varane – 7/10
Was rock-solid in defence and even assisted the goal scored by Karim Benzema. Varane will be crucial for Real Madrid this season.
Sergio Ramos – 8/10
An absolutely astonishing performance from the Los Blancos captain, who seemed to be getting every tackle right. Showed his experience and class throughout the game.
Marcelo – 7/10
The Brazilian was a bit off-colour and will have to live up to his defensive duties a bit more if he seeks to continue to hold his place in the starting eleven ahead of Ferland Mendy. Marcelo was caught high up the pitch on two or three occasions.
Casemiro – 7/10
A good steady performance from Casemiro allowed Real to dictate play in midfield. However, Zidane’s men were unable to make the most of all the possession they had and only ended up scoring one goal.
Toni Kroos – 6/10
Toni Kroos endured a lapse of concentration in the dying moments of the game and was caught napping by the Real Valladolid attackers. The away side were quick to pick his pockets and scored a late equaliser.
James Rodriguez – 7/10
The ‘Golden Boy’ returned to the Los Blancos shirt after a prolonged period of two years, and he was an absolute gem to watch. He was taken-off early in the second half to a standing ovation from the Santiago Bernabeu faithful.
Isco Alarcon – 6/10
A lack-lustre performance from Isco who was unable to showcase his true self on the pitch today. The Spanish midfield maestro seemed a bit slow to the pace of the game. Isco even over-cooked a couple of passes in dangerous territory which could have resulted in better opportunities for Zidane’s men.
Gareth Bale – 7/10
Bale put in a spirited effort throughout the game and received plaudits from the Real Madrid fans from time to time. The Welsh international will have to put on his shooting boots next time around.
Karim Benzema – 8/10
The Frenchman has proved his importance to this Real Madrid side time and again, and today was no different. Benzema created a goal out of nearly nothing.
Substitutes
Vinicius Junior – 6/10
The Brazilian youngster came on to replace James Rodriguez and displayed an instant burst of energy on the pitch. Vinicius will surely need to work on his end products.
Luka Jovic – 7/10
The summer recruit almost immediately scored with his first touch on the iconic Santiago Bernabeu pitch. Jovic seems like a very promising talent for Real Madrid indeed.
Lucas Vasquez – NA
Came on during the dying moments of the game. Vasquez did not have much involvement in the field of play.
