It turned out to be a rather easy affair as Real Madrid blanked Apoel Nicosia in a Champions League group stage match. Real Madrid arrived in Cyprus in a bid to upturn their form and they did it in style with a 6-0 thrashing of Apoel in Cyprus.
Los Blancos were looking to build up some momentum for the remainder of the season and what a way to bring it. Madrid arrived here without Gareth Bale, Mateo Kovacic, Sergio Ramos and Keylor Navas.
Luka Modric was the first to put the ball into the back of the net and the goals kept on coming. Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema scored a brace while Nacho Fernandez also contributed to this superior display.
A superb attacking display from Zinedine Zidane’s side. Let’s have a look how the players have fared in this convincing win.
Real Madrid player ratings
Kiko Casilla- 7
Had a pretty quiet afternoon. Barely had to react as the Cyprus side rarely troubled the Madrid defence.
Raphael Varane- 7
Masterminded another superb performance. The French international carried out the ball pretty effectively and Sergio Ramos’s absence hadn’t been felt for once. He also setup Nacho’s goal.
Nacho Fernandez- 7
Looked very comfortable in the backline and gave a commendable assistance to Varane to get rid of any danger from APOEL. Claimed a goal which had to be praised.
Marcelo- 7
The left-back enjoyed a solid afternoon as he almost worked his way out as a left winger. Offered the much-needed width on the flanks and looked threatening at times.
Dani Carvajal- 7
Defensively superb. His marauding runs through the flanks was missing in this two months.
Toni Kroos- 7
A very well drilled performance in the middle of the pitch. Assisted Benzema with a very cheeky through ball.
Luka Modric- 7.5
Gelled up well with Kroos to feed the attacking players with more thrust. Kicked up the proceedings with a beautiful volley.
Lucas Vazquez- 7
Zidane opted to put his faith in him and he didn’t disappoint as he dished out a pretty effortless performance.
Marco Asensio- 7
Was given a free-flowing role and he utilised it as best as he could as he was often seen hassling the Apoel defence.
Karim Benzema- 8
The French forward just did what a centre-forward needed to do. Scoring goals. Two well driven goals under his name. a good day in the office for him.
Cristiano Ronaldo- 8.5
The man of the moment. Rose to the occasion to silence his critics with a brace.
