Player ratings: Valladolid vs Real Madrid

VALLADOLID, SPAIN – DECEMBER 08: Angel di Maria (L) of Real Madrid CF shoots past Henrique Sereno of Real Valladolid CFduring the La Liga match between Real Valladolid CF and Real Madrid CF at estadio Jose Zorrilla on December 8, 2012 in Valladolid, Spain.

Real Madrid ended Valladolid’s six-match unbeaten streak with a narrow 3 – 2 win. It was a game which saw some bizarre substitutions from Mourinho, and open football from both teams. Here’s how the players fared.

Man of the match – Mesut Ozil

Real Volladolid

Dani Hernandez – 7.5

Great performance from the former Real Madrid youth team man. Pulled off plenty of saves, some spectacular, others crucial, but was unlucky to have conceded 3, particularly the Ozil free kick, which went in off the underside of the bar.

Antonio Rukavina – 6

Did well to keep Ronaldo from getting beyond him, but provided little support going forward. Dealt better with Di Maria than Balenziaga, after the Argentine switched flanks.

Henrique Sereno – 5.5

Below par showing, as he allowed Ozil to beat him easily for his first goal, and then committed the foul on Benzema that allowed Ozil to score his second with a free kick.

Marc Valiente – 6.5

Put in a superb tackle in the box to deny Benzema a clear attempt at his second goal. Unfortunate to have slipped on the turf when Omar’s back pass was intercepted by Callejon.

Balenziaga – 6

Did well going forward whenever he could. Dealt with Callejon better than he did with Di Maria, letting the Argentine get behind him on a couple of occasions.

Alvaro Rubio – 6

Was the first to react on Volladolid’s corner, and played a delicate ball back across the Madrid goal to set up Manucho. Was overrun when faced with both Modric and Ozil though.

Victor Perez – 6

Passed the ball around well, but did nothing special with it, even though he was given the time and space to do so.

Patrick Ebert – 6.5

Impressive going forward before he had to be replaced with a hamstring injury. Sent in great corners which led to both of Manucho’s goals.

Omar Ramos – 5.5

Made a horrible back pass that let Callejon in to set up Real’s first goal. Managed to peg Arbeloa back, but his team needed much more of him, especially against Real Madrid.

Oscar – 6

Tested Casillas with a long range effort, and kept play ticking over. Dictated his team’s attacking play, and was unfortunate to not have anything to show for it.

Manucho – 8

A couple of well taken goals for his fifth and sixth of the season. Occupied the Madrid defence well, and did more than what is asked of him by contributing in defense as well.

Substitutes

Alberto Bueno (Ebert 30′) – 6

Was not nearly as effective as Ebert, and failed to get into dangerous positions. Did manage to keep the ball fairly well, and provided width to his team’s play.

Javi Guerra (Manucho 78′) – 5.5

Did not get too many touches on the ball, as Madrid dominated possession while he was on the pitch.

VALLADOLID, SPAIN – DECEMBER 08: Karim Benzema (2:R) of Real Madrid CF battles for the ball against Dani Hernandez (#13) and Henrique Serreno (L) of Real Valladolid CFduring the La Liga match between Real Valladolid CF and Real Madrid CF at estadio Jose Zorrilla on December 8, 2012 in Valladolid, Spain.

Real Madrid

Iker Casillas – 6

Had just 2 tame saves to make. Could do little about his defence letting him down on both Volladolid goals, but perhaps could have commanded them better.

Alvaro Arbeloa – 6

Drifted infield once too often and was lucky to not be punished. Did not contribute much going forward either.

Pepe – 6

A clumsy outing for the Portuguese man, as Manucho got the better of the Madrid defence twice. Had little to do in the second half.

Sergio Ramos – 6.5

Was culpable for both of Volladolid’s goals, but made up with some fine defending, and even more impressive attacking. Nearly scored with a header in the second half.

Nacho – 5.5

Struggled against Ebert early on, and was taken off at half time. Did not do much to impress going forward either.

Sami Khedira – 5.5

Was caught ball watching at the back post on Volladolid’s first goal. Should have offered more protection to his defenders when Volladolid were on the front foot, but failed to do so.

Xabi Alonso – 7

Great team performance, as he helped Madrid soak up the pressure, particularly in the first half. Could have done better on Valladolid’s first goal though.

Cristiano Ronaldo – 6.5

A below par showing by his high standards. Tested the ‘keeper well with a free kick, but was wasteful in the opposing third as he chose to shoot, instead of picking out better positioned teammates.

Jose Callejon – 7

Showed great commitment in winning the ball that led to Madrid’s first goal, and could have scored himself but attempted to do too much. Shifted to left back for most of the second half, and did nothing wrong.

Mesut Ozil – 8.5

Made a great run with the ball, beating four defenders more or less, which led to his first goal. His second goal came off a free kick, which he took spectacularly with his left foot.

Karim Benzema – 7.5

Showed great presence of mind to position himself for Madrid’s first goal, and provided a great backheel assist for Ozil. Also earned the free kick that Ozil scored from, but it was more due to Sereno conceding an easy one than any real skill from Benzema.

Substitutes:

Angel Di Maria (Nacho 45′) – 7

His introduction tilted the balance in Real’s favour, as his direct running caused numerous problems. Was denied a goal only thanks to a good save, and won numerous free kicks, albeit with some theatrics.

Luka Modric (Arbeloa 62′) – 6.5

Was lively, and covered various parts of the pitch. Fashioned plenty of attacking scenarios as well.

Raphael Varane (Benzema 74′) – 6

Stuck well to his job of keeping the opposition attackers away from goal.