After a shock Copa Del Rey upset at the hands of Celta Vigo, Real Madrid bounced back with a comfortable 3-0 win at home to Real Sociedad on Sunday to solidify their position at the top of the La Liga standings.
Having seen their team go through a very indifferent phase, the Madrid fans were in a hostile mood with Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema being the main targets of the jeers from the crowd. However, the Portuguese did not let it affect his game, as he played in a lovely through ball for Mateo Kovacic, who put the eleven-time Champions League winners ahead with a neat finish.
The roles were reversed post the restart, as Kovacic turned provider this time sending Ronaldo through with a brilliant pass, in the 51st minute and the Ballon d’Or winner doubled Madrid’s lead with a delightful dinked effort. Sociedad were reduced to ten men after Inigo Martinez received his second yellow card of the day in the 74th minute and Madrid made the most of the numerical advantage with substitute Alvaro Morata heading home the Merengues’ third to seal three points for Zinedine Zidane’s side.
It was a resounding victory for Madrid, after having been through some uncharacteristic results in recent weeks and as a result, they extended their lead at the top by 4 points over second-placed Barcelona, with a game in hand. Let’s take a look as to how each Madrid player fared on the night:
Keylor Navas – 6
Had to deal with a few high balls into the box in the first-half, but it was a stroll in the park for the Madrid goalkeeper in the second period.
Danilo – 6
Made amends for his horrendous display during the midweek. With Sociedad playing through the middle, the full-back was afforded a lot of space out on the flanks and he used it well. Made a great run in the lead-up to the third goal for Madrid.
Raphael Varane – 7
Untested, untroubled, Varane was as safe as a house in the heart of the defence. Dealt with the few threats that Sociedad posed from counters with his brilliant turn of pace.
Sergio Ramos – 7
Did not put a foot wrong throughout the match. Sound and solid, dealt with everything that came his way with so much ease and nonchalance. Commanding display from the Madrid captain.
Nacho – 6
Continued in the left-back position with Marcelo’s absence. Nacho looked more comfortable in staying at the back and defend than venturing forward.
Casemiro – 8
Another brilliant display shielding his defence. The brute force and the crunching tackles that he puts in are a fresh breath of air. With Madrid dominating proceedings as the game progressed, showed eagerness to get forward in attack.
Toni Kroos – 7
Another tidy display in the middle of the park. Held on to the ball well, kept it simple when in possession and got forward regularly to support his teammates in attack.
Mateo Kovacic – 9
Madrid’s best player on the evening by a mile. The energy with which he closed down his opponents, the vigour and verve he showed with the ball at his feet were a treat to watch. Took his goal brilliantly after making a smart run behind the Sociedad defence, before setting up Ronaldo for the second with an excellent ball.
Lucas Vazquez – 7
Ran up and down the right-flank throughout the game, creating spaces and chances for his teammates. Capped off an impressive display with a great cross-assist for Morata’s goal.
Karim Benzema – 5
Another out of sorts display from the Frenchman. Everything he tried failed to come off. Looks short on confidence and clearly wasn’t helped by the Madrid boo-boys in the crowd.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 7
Started slowly, but showed his class with a lovely pass to set Kovacic up for the opener following it up with an even classier lobbed finish in the second-half to double the lead for Madrid.
Substitutes
Alvaro Morata – 7
Replaced Benzema in the 66th minute and added a lot of energy in the Madrid attack. Scored from a thumping header in the 82nd minute.
Isco – 6
Came on for Kovacic in the 77th minute. Did not make any noteworthy contribution.
Marco Asensio – NA
Came on to replace Vazquez with hardly four minutes left on the clock.