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Real Madrid continue to be the crown in El Derbi, as they defeated Atlético de Madrid 2-0 with an impressive performance at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium.
Real Madrid recovered their best moment against Atlético de Madrid after a 2-0 victory at home in the first El Derbi of the 2020/2021 season. Los Blancos ended Atlético’s 26-game unbeaten streak in La Liga after Casemiro scored in the first half and Jan Oblak conceded an own goal after a thunderous goal by Dani Carvajal in the second.
The whites made life uncomfortable for Diego Simeone’s men from the opening whistle, and the midfielder duo of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric completely dominated the rhythm of the game.
This is how the Real Madrid players behaved.
Manager
Zinedine Zidane – 9/10
Zidane got his tactics right again against his rivals in the city. The merengue coach led his team to success from the first moment with high pressure that was pleasantly implemented by his players in the first half, causing Atlético all kinds of discomfort.
Their players dominated the entire match and saw the 2-0 victory with ease. Zidane’s only concern will be the lack of goals and enough clear scoring opportunities for his forwards.
Players
Thibaut Courtois – 7.5 / 10
Courtois didn’t have much to do in terms of protecting his net, but he made a fantastic save to deny Saul’s header late in the game.
Dani Carvajal – 8/10
Carvajal came back from injury and showed how important he is to the team. The Spaniard looked comfortable defensively, but his offensive contribution seemed to be lacking in the first half.
However, he improved in that regard in the second half. Carvajal’s thunderous shot from outside the area marked Real Madrid’s second goal. He also completed a key pass and won five tackles.
Raphael Varane – 8.5 / 10
The Frenchman has now completed three massive trotting performances. Varane was once again strong at the rear, and having Ramos by his side has taken his game to the next level.
The Real Madrid center-back pair played with Luis Suárez and Joao Félix outside the park, forcing Diego Simeone to take them before the game ended.
Sergio Ramos – 8.5 / 10
It was the performance of another Sergio Ramos captain. His leadership is vital for Real Madrid, and having him back from injury in the biggest games of the season so far has been a boost for Zidane.
Ramos won three tackles, three interceptions, and completed two punts against city rivals.
Ferland Mendy – 7.5 / 10
Mendy had another solid outing for the Royal Whites. Nothing happened to him and he neutralized Marcos Llorente.
He also played several passes to break the line in the final third. He was fouled three times, one of which ultimately led to the second goal.
Casemiro – 7.5 / 10
Casemiro opened Real Madrid’s goal with a gorgeous header from a perfect corner kick from Kroos. He positioned himself well to protect Los Blancos’ defense and also received four fouls.
However, his tackles did not live up to his high standards that day. The Brazilian was stuck with some unwelcome challenges, and should consider himself lucky not to have received a second yellow at the end of the game.
Luka Modric – 7.5 / 10
Luka Modric didn’t have the same influence that he had against Gladbach, but he managed to show his class alongside Toni Kroos and helped Real Madrid dominate the game.
It’s amazing to see how at the age of 35, the former Balon D’or winner still manages to find energy and high performance as he begins his ninth game in 24 days.
Toni Kroos – 9/10
The German sniper had another massive performance in the middle of the field. Kroos finally earned his long and due assist in La Liga this season after putting the ball on a layup for Casemiro’s first goal from the corner.
He he completed 96 percent of his passes along with his 12 long balls. Kroos completely dominated the midfield and dictated the play throughout the entire match.
Lucas Vazquez – 7.5 / 10
Vázquez was rewarded for his hard work as a makeshift right-back with a starting spot at the right midfielder. He built on his superb performance against Borussia Monchengladbach and made another superior change.
Vázquez, along with Carvajal, completely closed Atlético’s right wing. He completed two key passes and won six tackles.
Vinicius Junior – 6.5 / 10
Vinicius Junior had some funny moments but failed to impress overall. He completed two dribbles and worked hard to help Mendy keep his left flank locked.
Karim Benzema – 8/10
Benzema may not have entered the minutes of the night, but his performance was less than spectacular. He ran in circles around the Atlético players with his combination and link play with Kroos and Modric.
His pass was punctual and he was always available as an outlet for a vertical pass. The Real Madrid forward also had a brilliant goal that was gloriously stopped by Jan Oblak.
Substitutes
Marco Asensio – N / A
Marco Asensio came in for Carvajal in the 79th minute and helped Los Blancos watch the game.
Rodrygo – N / A
Rodrygo entered along with Asensio and similarly helped watch the game.
Fede Valverde – N / A
Fede Valverde entered with a few minutes to spare. Good to see him in action again.
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