Real Madrid 1-1 Athletic Bilbao: Ronaldo Rescues Los Blancos A Point
Real Madrid managed to come back from a goal down to salvage a 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night.
The Galacticos were handed an early blow against the run of play as Inaki Williams put Athletic in front just 14 minutes into the game with a lovely dinked finish over Keylor Navas.
Real dominated the majority of the match but struggled to break down a stubborn Athletic defence and when they did manage to, they were denied by some brilliant goalkeeping by Kepa Arrizabalaga. However, in the 87th minute, the home team managed to breach the visitors’ goal as Cristiano Ronaldo flicked a Luka Modric cross/shot into the back of net to ensure his team came away with at least a point.
Here’s how Zinedine Zidane’s players fared on the night.
Real Madrid Player Ratings
Keylor Navas – 5/10
Not a lot he could do about Williams’ dinked finish for the goal. Had one shaky moment after the break but didn’t have much to do as his side dominated the match.
Dani Carvajal – 7/10
Was one of Real’s best players on the night. Defended well, made a great block when the score was at 1-0. He was an effective outlet going forward as well. Was involved in the equalizer.
Raphael Varane – 6/10
A steady and composed display at the back by the Frenchman. Forced a great save from Arrizabalaga with a bullet header at the other end.
Sergio Ramos – 5/10
Not the best of the nights for the captain. Misjudged the weight of the pass in the lead up to Athletic’s goal. Wasn’t his usual self, stepping out of the defence often.
Marcelo – 6/10
Created a few issues for the visitors with his forward forays and played in a few good crosses that went begging. Had to stay alert at the back with the threat of Williams and Oscar De Marcos lurking.
Lucas Vazquez – 6.5/10
Was a bright spark for Madrid, especially in the first period when he created a couple of decent opportunities for his teammates. Faded a bit after the break but did test the Athletic goalkeeper once.
Luka Modric – 5.5/10
A meek display from the Croatian as he failed to exert any sort of command in the middle of the park. Was too slow and laborious in his forward play at times, without offering a whole lot defensively. His driven shot was deflected into the net by Ronaldo for the equaliser.
Toni Kroos – 6.5/10
Fared better than his central midfield partner. Crisp and sharp passing, set-piece delivery was on point, displayed good positional awareness.
Marco Asensio – 7/10
Almost scored in the first half after a brilliant run past the Atheltic defenders. Tested Arrizabalaga a couple of times and created a number of chances for his teammates. Was always a threat from the left-hand side.
Karim Benzema – 4/10
Another ineffective display from the Frenchman as his poor season continues. Made a hash of a great chance set up by Carvajal. His link-up play wasn’t up to the mark either.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 7/10
Hit the crossbar with a headed effort early in the game. Did not have a lot of chances coming his way from thereon but made it count late in the game with a flick to earn a point for his side.
Substitutes
Isco – 6/10
Came on for Asensio in the 69th minute. Added more purpose going forward and had an effort that just went missing narrowly.
Gareth Bale – 5/10
Replaced Benzema for the final twenty minutes in which he did very little of note.
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