Real Madrid takes all 3 points from Alavés as they win their season opener with an impressive performance from the team. Let us look at the player ratings of Real Madrid and how they performed.
Thibaut Courtois (6.5/10): Courtois was solid and made three crucial saves during the course of the match to help Real Madrid get that 3 goal advantage. However, he made a foul which cost him his clean sheet but the goal was more of a mistake from Militao than the Belgian goalkeeper. He made 9 recoveries and apart from conceding the penalty, he carried on his impressive form from last season.
David Alaba (8/10): Alaba marked his debut for Real Madrid with an excellent performance and recorded an assist. He’s fearless, moves up the field quickly but leaves a lot of space behind, however, his pace helps him to track back fast. His curling balls from the left remind me of a prime Marcelo. The Austrian played the full 90 minutes of the match, made 6 recoveries and 1 interception.
Nacho Fernandez (8.5/10): Nacho was the most accurate passer (97%) of the match to play 45 minutes or more. He had a wonderful game and scored the second goal for Real Madrid and he converted from an xG (expected goal) of only 0.41%. He was defensively sound, made a couple of key interceptions, and made 6 recoveries.
Eder Militao (6/10): Militao made an error that led to the goal for Alaves in the 65th minute. He played the full 90 minutes of the game, lost 2 aerial duels, and conceded a foul. However, he made a key interception and 5 recoveries.
Lucas Vasquez (7.5/10): Vasquez was sound both at defense and offense as his crosses from the right-hand side were a problem for Alavés. He made 2 key passes, won 3 duels, and made 4 recoveries.
Casemiro (8/10): Casemiro had a mixed day at the office but he performed well. He is the recipient of three awards from last night, he made the most tackles (3) in the game, he was the most fouled player on the pitch (3), he lost the most duels (8) in the match, and at the same time, he also won 9 duels. Made 9 recoveries and 2 interceptions.
Fede Valverde (8/10): He was the creator for Benzema’s brace where he made a quick run from the midfield behind the Alavés defense and squared the ball to Benzema who thumped home in his second attempt. Won 5 duels and completed 2 dribbles. Subbed off in the 88th minute.
Luka Modric (9/10): Luka Modric continued his impressive form from last season and completely dictated the midfield. He completed the most dribbles (3) in the game and also completed the most passes (75) in the match. He assisted Nacho’s goal after delivering an accurate cross from the right side. He recorded a pass success rate of 90% and created 3 chances. Made 7 recoveries and at 35 years of age, he’s still going strong.
Eden Hazard (8/10): Last night we all saw a rejuvenated Eden Hazard playing for Madrid. He created the most chances (4) in the game and recorded an assist under his name after delivering an extravagant flick to Karim Benzema which he volleyed home. He had a dribble success rate of 100% and made 3 recoveries. The Belgian lasted 66 minutes on the pitch.
Gareth Bale (7/10): Another who showed some redemption along with Eden Hazard last night was Gareth Bale. He was a menace down the right-wing and tried some long-distance shots which didn’t find the net. However, he showed confidence and commitment towards Real Madrid.
Karim Benzema (9.5/10): Real Madrid talisman is back with a BANG! His brace and work rate earned him his deserved Player of the Match award. He outscored his xG of 0.55% and had a shot accuracy of 60%. A favorite to win the Pichichi this season as expected by pundits and fans alike and he’s already started his journey towards the prestigious award.
Substitutes
Isco (NA/10): Isco played only 2 minutes of the game and didn’t make a considerable impact.
Luka Jovic (NA/10): No impact on the game. Played for only a minute.
Marco Asensio (NA/10): Played only 2 minutes. No impact was made.
Rodrygo (6/10): Subbed on in the 68th minute. Made 7 accurate passes, had a 50% duel success rate and made a recovery.
Vinicius Jr. (7.5/10): Played only 24 minutes but scored the 4th goal for Real Madrid and restored the 3 goal lead in the 90+2nd minute. He missed a big chance but redeemed himself after heading home a cross from debutant David Alaba. Beware La Liga! Vini is ready!
