Real Madrid 4-0 Alaves: Ronaldo Scores A Brace As Los Blancos Make Easy Work Of Abelardo Fernández’s Men
Real Madrid romped home to another big victory, blowing away Deportivo Alaves 4-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.
It was Cristiano Ronaldo who opened the scoring for the home team, with an instinctive finish from inside the box just a minute before half-time. Gareth Bale made it 2-0 just a minute after the restart, sliding the ball past the Alaves goalie, after being played in by Karim Benzema.
Ronaldo doubled his tally at the hour mark, firing in a low shot to make it three before Benzema added more gloss to score line by converting from the penalty spot in the 90th minute after Bale was fouled in the box.
The win sees Zinedine Zidane’s side move within 4 points of second-placed Atletico Madrid but they still remain 11 points behind leaders Barcelona, having played a game more than both the teams.
Here’s how the Los Blancos fared on the day.
Real Madrid Player Ratings
Keylor Navas – 8/10
Made a brilliant stop to deny Alfonso Pedraza and made two more crucial saves late in the game to earn a well-deserved clean sheet.
Dani Carvajal – 6/10
The right-back had a fairly straight-forward game against Alaves with the visiting team not threatening a great deal, allowing him the freedom to push forward.
Raphael Varane – 7/10
Calm and composed at the back under pressure, was comfortable on the ball. A sound performance overall from the Frenchman.
Nacho – 6/10
Apart from one mistake when he let Ruben Sobrino through, the Spaniard was pretty much his usual solid self at the back for the Galacticos.
Theo Hernandez – 7/10
Not always convincing at the back but stuck in and made some decent challenges. Almost got his first goal for Madrid with a slaloming run and shot, but was denied. Encouraging display.
Lucas Vazquez – 8/10
The Spaniard has been brilliant in recent games and it was no different today either. Was a threat all game and set Ronaldo up for his second. Could have scored himself.
Casemiro – 7/10
The Brazilian is relishing the No.8 role in the two-man midfield. Got forward on a number of occasions and was also aware of his defensive responsibilities, making a number of interceptions.
Mateo Kovacic – 7/10
Kept Madrid ticking in the middle of the park with his passing, without really influencing the game in the final third of the pitch. Solid work rate and technical ability on display.
Gareth Bale – 8/10
Returning to the starting XI, the Welshman made it count with a brilliant performance from the left-wing. Scored a goal in the second period, struck the woodwork and won the penalty late on. Bodes well for Madrid.
Karim Benzema – 8/10
His finishing was once again off the radar in the first period but made sure he contributed to the team’s cause with his movement and link-up, registering the assists for the first two goals. Converted from the penalty spot late on.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 8.5/10
Back in action after being rested for the midweek game, the Portuguese was all over the Alaves defence like a rash. Grabbed a double and could easily have added a few more. It was a nice gesture from him to let Benzema take the penalty instead of choosing to complete his hat-trick.
Substitutes
Dani Ceballos – 6/10
Replaced Kovacic with less than 20 minutes left. Had a good run out with the game all wrapped up.
Marcos Llorente – N/A
On for Casemiro for the last ten minutes. Was booked.