Real Madrid clashed heads with Athletic Bilbao at the King Fahd Stadium earlier tonight as they looked to pick up a victory and lift the Spanish Super Cup. Los Blancos made a good start to the game and got themselves ahead in the 38th minute courtesy of Luka Modric’s great finish. The Madrid outfit went into the half-time interval one goal to the good.
Karim Benzema put daylight between the two sides when he scored his penalty in the 52nd minute. However, Eder Militao was sent off in the 87th minute as the contest finished with Carlo Ancelotti’s men emerging victorious by a 2-0 margin in Saudi Arabia.
Let’s take a look at how each Real Madrid player fared during the match against Athletic Bilbao.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – 8/10
The Belgian keeper saved a late penalty to keep his clean intact. Ancelotti can’t ask any more from him.
RB: Lucas Vazquez – 7/10
He was always willing to get forward and was solid at the back as well.
CB: Eder Militao – 6/10
Militao made a few good blocks during the game but gave away a penalty and was sent off in the 87th minute in what turned out to be a sour end to his time on the field.
CB: David Alaba – 7/10
He made a few important defensive contributions and has got a clean sheet to show for his efforts.
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LB: Ferland Mendy – 7/10
Mendy performed his defensive duties well and was lively going forward.
CM: Luka Modric – 8/10
The Croatia international ran the show in the Bilbao half and was responsible for opening the goal-scoring with a great finish in the first half.
CM: Casemiro – 7/10
The Brazilian talent anchored the midfield well and was a threat when he decided to join in on the attack.
CM: Toni Kroos – 7/10
He made a few decent plays for others around him but failed to register a goal tonight.
RW: Rodrygo – 7/10
Rodrygo picked up an assist for setting up Modric’s goal. However, he got replaced after the hour mark.
ST: Karim Benzema – 7.5/10
The French striker caused a few problems for the Bilbao defenders and managed to get his name on the scoresheet via the penalty spot in the 52nd minute.
LW: Vinicius Junior – 6.5/10
He had a few bright moments in the game but didn’t have too many sniffs at goal.
Substitutes:
CM: Federico Valverde – 6/10
Valverde added more energy to Ancelotti’s midfield.
LM: Marcelo – N/A
He hardly had any time to influence the game.
CB: Nacho – N/A
Nacho came off the bench to run the clock down for Real Madrid.
