Real Madrid’s trip to Villarreal has ended in rather shocking circumstances with the Whites only being able to manage one point. Real Madrid led early in the first half with a Mariano header but Moreno equalised later on in the game from the penalty spot.
Thibaut Courtois was guilty of catching Chukwueze inside the penalty box and Moreno made no mistake from the spot kick. Zidane was without several first team regulars including Karim Benzema and Sergio Ramos.
The Frenchman would be disappointed with this result as Madrid have now dropped points in two consecutive fixtures. Prior to the International Break, Real Madrid were humbled by Valencia with a 4-1 score line.
In today’s fixture Real Madrid did not seem to be on top of their game. The Yellow Submarines got the better of the chances in the second half and could have even bagged home a winner when Moreno fired wide.
Nacho and Toni Kroos got themselves in the referee’s book for their troubles. Here’s how Real Madrid players are rated in their disappointing draw at the Ceramica stadium –
GK : Thibaut Courtois – 7/10
The goalie made a silly error inside the box and it cost Real Madrid two points. Courtois would be disappointed with his performance.
RB : Dani Carvajal – 7/10
Carvajal enjoyed a good return from injury and made some stunning runs down the right-hand side. The Spaniard’s efforts led to Reals first-half goal.
CB : Raphael Varane – 8/10
A firm performance from Varane in defence and he certainly missed his centre back partner, Sergio Ramos. Varane led the backline with authority in the absence of Ramos.
CB : Nacho – 7/10
Nacho had a decent evening but nothing will please your eyes after seeing the iconic Sergio Ramos in defence. Nacho picked up a yellow card after making a clumsy challenge on Gaspar.
LB : Ferland Mendy – 7/10
Mendy was industrious down the left-hand side but much more was expected out of him at the Ceramica stadium.
CM : Toni Kroos – 7/10
A typical Toni Kroos performance in all aspects where the German weaved his magic from midfield. Kroos barely seemed to put a foot wrong in the game except for a yellow card he picked for his clinical challenge on Kubo.
CM : Luka Modric – 7/10
Modric had a decent evening at the Ceramica Stadium. He kept the game ticking alongside Toni Kroos in midfield.
CM : Martin Odegaard – 7/10
Odegaard was alert in midfield and made some neat turns which helped him get away from the Villarreal midfield.
RW : Lucas Vasquez – 7/10
Vasquez was hard working in midfield but it’s hard to understand why Zidane did not start with Marco Asensio on the right-hand side.
ST : Mariano – 8/10
The striker got onto the scoresheet and made the most of the opportunity presented to him by Zidane in the absence of Benzema and Jovic. Mariano got himself on the end of a fine Dani Carvajal cross.
LW : Eden Hazard – 6/10
Hazard had a substandard evening and was replaced by Vinicius Jr around the 65-minute mark. He clearly seemed to be lacking match fitness.
Substitutes
CM : Isco – 6/10
A bleak performance from Isco after replacing Odegaard in midfield.
LW : Vinicius Jr – 7/10
The Brazilian was lively post his introduction but failed to make any sort of positive impact on the tie.
RW : Marco Asensio – 6/10
Did not have much impact post coming on.
