After displaying an ’embarrassing’ performance against PSG, Real Madrid stepped up their game and made Alavés a ‘well’ defeated team. Much rotations were expected in the starting lineup but things essentially stayed the same only with Fede Valverde resting Toni Kroos. The first half started slowly for Real Madrid, but Marco Asensio’s GOLAZO in the second half changed the game for Real.

Here we take a look at Real Madrid player ratings after a thumping win over Deportivo Alaves:

Thibaut Courtois -(6.5/10): The Belgian remained unthreatened for most parts of the game, facing only two shots and saving both.

Dani Carvajal -(6.5/10): Made quick offensive runs behind the Alaves defence and made one key pass during his course. Lost both of his tackles and managed to deal with Luis Rioja. Substituted off in the 86th minute.

Eder Militao -(7.5/10): Made two key interceptions and effectively brought the ball forward when required. Made a stellar league-high of 14 recoveries in a match. Won 50 per cent of his aerial duels.

David Alaba -(7.5/10): Did well when recovering the ball – imposing his physical stature during the game. Kept Alaves’ strikers at bay and didn’t put much threat on goal. Made a key cross in the first half where he could have found Benzema’s head but couldn’t. Ended the game having the most accurate passing rate (96%).

Ferland Mendy -(6/10): Started the game even after having questions over his fitness. Made three accurate long balls and 8 recoveries. Was poor in the offensive part but he looks recovering.

Luka Modric -(8/10): ‘Madrid revolves around Luka’, made ten accurate long balls and a key pass which could have been converted. Made six recoveries and an interception. Had a good game and was substituted off in the 82nd minute.

Casemiro -(8/10): Casemiro completed the most passes (86) during the full 90 minutes. Played with fire in the first half losing possession multiple times but redeemed himself in the second. Ended the game making two key passes, three clearances and three interceptions.

Fede Valverde -(7.5/10): Fede lived up to his billing after starting the game. Provided an injection of pace to the midfield whenever required and pressed high up the pitch. Orchestrated a counter-attack himself but failed to provide the killer pass that would create a goal, made three recoveries. Ancelotti probably gearing him up for the second-leg against PSG.

Marco Asensio -(7/10): Struggled to find momentum in the game and nearly assisted Alaves in scoring a goal. But moments later his defensive ‘goof-up’, turned whistles into applause after he scored a beautiful ‘Golazo’ from outside the box. His left foot is truly ‘magical’.

Vinicius Jr. -(6/10): Lost the most number of duels (11) during the match. Alaves kept him out successfully most of the time until the goal shifted the momentum. Ended his goal-drought after scoring from close range.

Karim Benzema -(8/10): Had a total of 7 shots with only hitting the woodwork once (missing a big chance). Registered two assists and a goal after converting from the spot. Much like the team, he woke up to the game after Asensio’s goal.

SUBSTITUTES

Dani Ceballos, Rodrygo Goes, Marcelo, Hazard and Lucas Vasquez all came on during the final minutes of the game and neither of them could make an impact except Rodrygo whose run made Alaves concede a penalty.