Eibar 1-2 Real Madrid: Ronaldo’s Brace Saves The Day For Los Blancos
Real Madrid returned to winning ways in the La Liga, as they defeated Eibar 2-1 away at the Estadio Municipal de Ipurua on Saturday.
After a sluggish start to the game, Madrid were able to break the deadlock in the 34th minute, courtesy of a low strike from Cristiano Ronaldo. However, Eibar were back on level terms only five minutes into the second period when Ivan Ramis headed in from a set-piece.
With just six minutes left on the clock, Ronaldo once again turned saviour for the Galacticos, heading in a Dani Carvajal cross to make it 2-1 and seal three points.
Real Madrid Player Ratings
Keylor Navas – 6/10
A commanding presence between the sticks for Real. Did well to divert Kike’s effort and did well under pressure in the first period. No chance with the goal.
Dani Carvajal – 6/10
Was given a difficult time by Japanese attacker Takashi Inui and had to battle hard given he had very little defensive support. Set up the winner for Ronaldo with a pinpoint delivery from the right-hand side.
Raphael Varane – N/A
Taken off just 27 minutes into the game after a head collision with Dani Garcia.
Sergio Ramos – 5/10
The Madrid captain looked a liability throughout the game. Lost Ramis leading to the equaliser for Eibar and another moment of lapse in concentration almost ended up costing his team.
Marcelo – 6.5/10
The Brazilian was given a hard time in the first time by the marauding Eibar right-back but that did not stop him from getting forward. Was a regular outlet for the Merengues down the left-hand side.
Luka Modric – 8.5/10
Returning to action after almost a month out with injury, the Croatian international stamped his authority on the game and was an important creative influence for Madrid. Set up the opening goal for Ronaldo and should have scored in the second period, after going on a jinking run.
Casemiro – 6/10
Lucky to get away with a penalty shout in the first period. Apart from that one blip, the Brazilian was pretty much his solid self in the middle, if not spectacular.
Toni Kroos – 6/10
Making his first full appearance after injury, the German international did not look at his usual level. There were some decent passes here and there but seemed to run out of steam in the second period.
Isco – 5/10
The Spaniard was handed a start by Zidane but failed to repay the faith as it was another dodgy display. Touches and passes seemed off from the word go and was rightly taken off with Madrid chasing a victory.
Gareth Bale – 6/10
Worked hard and was involved in several attacking moves but lacked the cutting edge that was needed. Still looks a little rusty.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 9/10
Once again the difference maker for Zidane’s side. Opened the scoring for Madrid when the home team were on the ascendancy and won the game with a headed goal when it looked like his team would have to settle for a point, after being denied twice by the opposition keeper. Has now scored 13 goals in his last seven games. Sensational.
Substitutes
Nacho – 6/10
Replaced Varane in the first period and slotted in alongside Ramos. Not as convincing as usual but got stuck in and did a decent job.
Karim Benzema – 5/10
On for Kroos with 20 minutes left to play. Did little of note.
Lucas Vazquez – 6/10
Replaced Isco in the 71st minute. Added a sense of urgency to Madrid’s attacking line.