Valencia handed a major boost to Barcelona and Sevilla in LaLiga title race as they beat leaders Real Madrid 2-1 at Mestalla on Wednesday. Zinedine Zidane’s men failed to capitalise on a chance which would have put them four points clear at the summit with a game in hand.
Real Madrid Player Ratings
Keylor Navas 6/10– The Madrid keeper was to blame for Orellana’s goal, as he did not move his feet fast enough but he made a few decent stops to keep his side in the game.
Sergio Ramos 5/10- Was lucky to get away with a bad tackle on Munir just outside the box and wasn’t at his best while defending, but was strong as usual.
Dani Carvajal 6/10- Had a good physical battle with Zaza and the right back whipped in an innumerable amount of crosses from the right.
Raphael Varane 3/10- Was error prone all game and almost gifted Zaza a second goal, was also lucky enough to be on the pitch after a kick on Gaya’s face. The terrible outing came to an end when he was replaced by Nacho.
Marcelo 7/10- Whipped in a delicious cross for Ronaldo to head into the net, played really well on the left side even though he was injured for most of the game.
Casemiro 5/10- Kept the ball moving, but it was not his best performance as he gave the ball away and made cynical fouls too many times.
Toni Kroos 6/10- The fact that he wasn’t heavily involved in the game stated that it was neither a positive nor a negative performance. There was no final pass from him to create a clear opening. However, he was slick with his passing as usual.
James Rodriguez 5/10- Had a few chances, one cleared off the line, but the Colombian’s evening grew in frustration as he wasn’t able to have a big impact on the game.
Luka Modric 6/10- Moved the ball around well in midfield and was slick as ever, but couldn’t find that killer pass in the final third as he drew blanks.
Cristiano Ronaldo 7/10- The Portuguese ace thumped in a spectacular header but couldn’t really find an equalizer for his side despite his efforts.
Karim Benzema 5/10- Had one good shot that brought out a save from Alves, but was frustrated, ineffective and didn’t do enough to leave his mark on the game.
Substitutes-
Gareth Bale 6/10- Couldn’t really have an impact despite some good crosses. Was lacking the vital components to make a difference.
Nacho 6/10- Brought on for Varane and did a decent job as he held the defense together.
Lucas Vazquez 6/10- Willing runner and linked up well in attack but without any real threat to find an equalizer.
Valencia Player Ratings
Diego Alves 6/10- Made a few fine saves and commanded his area well. Was strong in the air despite flapping at a few crosses.
Eliaquim Mangala 7/10- Was tremendous throughout apart from losing Ronaldo for his goal. Fine blocking and defending.
Jose Gaya 6/10- Changed position from defense to attack the left-hand side as he offered pace and guile on the break.
Joao Cancelo 6/10- Defended well except for letting in Marcelo’s cross for Real’s goal. Overall dug deep and stayed well on the byline.
Ezequiel Garay 7/10- No nonsense, safety first defending. It was high quality from the centre back who was strong in the air as well.
Enzo Perez 6/10- Full of energy in the middle of the park making important tackles and blocked a good effort later in the game.
Fabian Orellana 7/10- Scored the second Valencia goal, putting the ball between Navas’ legs. Looked lively and a threat in attack.
Nani 7/10- Was key on the break-away, claimed the assist for Orellana’s goal, came off at halftime due to an injury.
Dani Parejo 7/10- Linked up really well with the other attackers and was picking right passes on the counter-attack.
Munir El Haddadi 7/10- Didn’t tire running the entire 90 minutes, made a goal-line clearance and claimed an assist. A superb display by the on-loan Barca man.
Simone Zaza 8/10- Scored a beauty to open the scoring as he worked hard and led the attack well with his pace and power.
Substitutes-
Guilherme Siqueira 6/10- Introduced for Nani and was solid against James and Bale on the flanks.
Carlos Soler 6/10- Made sure that the midfield was congested and assured support to the back-line.
Mario Suarez 6/10- Came on late just to add some pace and fresh legs into the game.