Real Madrid have registered their second victory of the 2020/21 Primera Division campaign with a clinical 1-0 win over Real Valladolid. Second-half substitute, Vinicius Jr, turned out to be the deciding factor between the two sides at the Alfredo de Stefano stadium.
Zidane would have wanted his side to take control of the fixture from the kick-off whistle. However, the visiting side headed to the half-time break almost level pegged with Los Blancos. Second-half substitutions from Zizou turned the game on its head as Real took the lead with a sumptuous Vinicius Jr goal.
Here’s how the Whites fared in their 1-0 victory against Real Valladolid.
GK: Courtois – 8/10
The Belgian shot-stopper was kept busy throughout the night with the visitors putting five shots on goal. Courtois was always on his heels and kept the Valladolid attack at bay.
RB: Odriozola – 7/10
Odriozola was industrious down the right flank but seemed to be missing from his defensive duties on a couple of occasions. The Spanish full-back was replaced by Dani Carvajal in the second half.
CB: Varane – 8/10
Raphael Varane was amongst the top performers on the evening with a few match-saving tackles.
CB: Ramos – 8/10
Ramos kept the defensive line in shape with his brilliant game-reading abilities. The captain was calm and composed as ever.
LB: Marcelo – 7/10
The Brazilian got his 2020-21 La Liga campaign underway with his first start. Marcelo seemed a bit off-colour to his usual self and would have wanted to make the most out of the opportunity with Ferland Mendy not being deployed in the left-back position.
CM: Valverde – 7/10
The Uruguayan was energetic and lively as he deputised for Toni Kroos.
CM: Casemiro – 8/10
Casemiro is the heart and soul of this Real Madrid side. The Brazilian midfielder provided ample cover for the defensive line along with splendid passing and game intercepting abilities.
CM: Modric – 8/10
Modric really took charge of things for Los Blancos and kept the game ticking for Zidane & Co. The Croatian nearly doubled the lead for Real Madrid as his shot from the edge of the box struck the goalpost.
CAM: Isco – 7/10
Isco would be delighted with his La Liga start against Valladolid. A lot more was expected out of Isco in terms of creativity, and he did not seem to have his old spark. The former Malaga man was replaced in the second half.
ST: Jovic – 7/10
The Serbian really fancied a goal on the night but found it difficult putting the ball past Valladolid’s Roberto.
ST: Benzema – 7/10
The Frenchman did not have an exceptional evening. Benzema is yet to pick-up from where he finished the 2019/20 season.
Substitutes
CM: Asensio – 7/10
Asensio had a few attempts at goal which were blocked. Post his arrival; the visitors were taken aback as Zizou completely changed the formation.
LW: Vinicius Junior – 9/10
A match-winning goal from Vini as the ball luckily fell for him.
RB: Carvajal – 7/10
Carvajal did a tidy job after he was brought on to replace a rather tired looking Odriozola.
ST: Mayoral – 7/10
Did not have much involvement post his arrival.
