Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid were involved in a 1-1 stalemate at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on Matchday 26 of La Liga Santander. The two numbers nines, Luis Suarez and Karim Benzema, were amongst the goals in the Primera Division match. Atletico took the lead within the first twenty minutes, but Real had to wait until the dying moments to have themselves on the scoresheet.
Atletico could have sealed the tie on a couple of occasions but failed to beat the monstrous Thibaut Courtois who saved the day for Los Blancos. Zidane’s substitutions around the hour mark changed the complexion of the tie and a Real Madrid equaliser looked almost certain. Here’s how Real Madrid players are rated in their 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid –
Real Madrid Player Ratings Against Atletico Madrid
GK : Thibaut Courtois – 8/10
The Belgian had a busy evening playing against his former side. Courtois could have barely done anything about the Suarez goal early on. However, the Belgian made at least three crucial saves in the second half which kept his team alive in the match.
RB : Lucas Vasquez – 7/10
A satisfactory performance from Vasquez at the right-back slot. Vasquez kept Carrasco silent despite not being an out and out defender.
CB : Raphael Varane – 8/10
Varane put in a commanding performance in the heart of Madrid’s defence. The Frenchman was guilty of one terrible clearance which almost led to a second Atletico goal.
CB : Nacho Fernandez – 6/10
Not the ideal night for Nacho who went sliding in at the halfway line in the build-up to Luis Suarez’ opening goal of the night. Nacho was also wobbly in possession of the ball and gifted Simeone’s men the ball on at least two occasions.
LB : Ferland Mendy – 7/10
A solid performance from Mendy at the left-back position. Mendy barely kept a foot wrong all night long and certainly made things difficult for Atletico Madrid.
CM : Luka Modric – 8/10
The Croatian dictated proceedings at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium and made Simeone’s side toil hard for the ball. Modric was one of the standout players this evening for Zinedine Zidane.
CM : Casemiro – 8/10
Casemiro was reliable as ever in midfield and kept things difficult for Atletico who found it difficult to create a lot of chances down the centre.
CM : Toni Kroos – 7/10
The German went about his business with relative ease. Kroos’ ball distribution and passing was brilliant as ever.
RW : Rodrygo – 6/10
A poor night from Rodrygo after being put into the starting line-up ahead of Vinicius Jr. The teenager had very little involvement in the game and often failed to successfully dribble past Hermoso.
ST : Karim Benzema – 8/10
Plenty of missed chances on the night for Benzema who looked rusty after just returning from injury. The striker could have scored at least two goals but failed to find the back of the net. Nevertheless, Benzema linked up with Casemiro and created the goal that he ended up scoring right at the end of the match.
LW : Marco Asensio – 7/10
Asensio tried getting involved in the game and even delivered a few sumptuous balls into the box. However, the end product seemed to be missing and Vincius Jr was brought on to replace the Spaniard.
Real Madrid Player Ratings Against Atletico Madrid
Substitutes
CM : Federico Valverde – 8/10
One of the bright performers on the night for Zidane. The midfielder came on around the hour mark for Marco Asensio and livened things up at the right-hand side. Valverde even pulled the trigger from distance and nearly caught Jan Oblak off-guard.
LW : Vinicius Jr – 7/10
A lively appearance from Vinicius after coming on to replace Rodrygo. Vinicius tried to get behind the Atletico defence and it nearly worked on one occasion.
