Matchday 29 results: Militão convinced, Modrić discreet

Single reviewReal Madrid presented themselves successfully in the three-cushion title battle: in the 2-0 victory over SD Eibar, the defense of Militão and Nacho was widely convinced on Saturday afternoon, while Asensio confirmed his Promising short appearances against Bergamo and Celta de Vigo with a strong starting line-up. Benzema continues to dial almost at will; Modrić and Kroos, however, remained relatively pale. The review of the REAL TOTAL single from matchday 29 of LaLiga.

Starting XI

Thibaut Courtois

The Belgian had to unpack perhaps his best “parade” when Vázquez’s back pass was getting faster and faster on the wet court at the time, when he was spitting leather beyond the gate (62nd). In some situations he revealed known weaknesses in the area of ​​foot technique, but was otherwise wide awake and prevented Eibar from finding his way back into the game shortly before the end (87th). Also convinced with a calm and confident demeanor. TOTAL REAL-Note: 2.5.

Lucas Vazquez

The Galician is and continues to be (for many Madridistas) the positive surprise of the season! Whether as an offensive winger or right back in a four- or five-man string, with a few exceptions, the 29-year-old delivers regardless of where Zinédine Zidane uses him. Over the course of the 90 minutes, he repeatedly offered his teammates brave downhill runs thanks to his intensive style of play, even if his passes did not reach the wing in some cases due to lack of precision. He also made 88 ball contacts and played three key passes, as well as some good flanking balls. TOTAL REAL-Note: 2.

Éder Militão

After the loss of captain Sergio Ramos and due to some rotations before the important Champions League duel with Liverpool FC on Tuesday, the Brazilian restored his confidence and delivered perhaps his best performance of the season. He generated four direct ball victories, as well as six punts, and also had the advantage in seven head games. In addition to Lucas Vázquez, he also had the most ball actions on the field (88) and played the most passes (72). In view of the coming English weeks, he could have recommended himself for the starting eleven. Well done, Éder! TOTAL REAL-Note: 1.5.

Nacho Fernandez

In the absence of captain and head of defense Sergio Ramos and Raphaël Varane, the Spaniard assumed responsibility for the actual baseline. Staked away Alejandro Pozo’s chance in the first round was extremely stable (three balls won, seven clearances). He also showed his best form in the 90th minute of the game when he beat Sergi Enrich in a head duel in front of his own box and thus prevented tension from re-emerging. In the constitution, the veteran should significantly reduce the effects of Sergio Ramos’ failure. TOTAL REAL-Note: 2.

Ferland mendy

He was less conspicuous at defensive tackle than his neighbors, but he fit in perfectly with the well-harmonized three-way chain. In addition to two won balls and three punts, the Frenchman especially impressed with his constant demand for the ball and an excellent passing rate (97 percent). As a left-back, he had far fewer opportunities to get involved offensively than in his full-back role, but other players were also responsible for that that afternoon. TOTAL REAL-Note: 2.5.

Marcelo (until minute 68 of the match)

After the Brazilian had made some unfortunate appearances on the season thus far and was often not used at all or only for a few minutes, Marcelo could see the joy of playing from minute one. In addition to some dangerous centers, such as the world-class center in front of Benzema’s offside goal in the fifth minute of play or the great ball kicked in the direction of Casemiro (10th), the 32-year-old was also clearly trying to make contact with the ball. While the curly head as a left back in a back four no longer seems able to continually play at a world-class level, the three / five-man chain could also provide him with better opportunities for more playing time at a high level. TOTAL REAL-Note: 2.5.

Luka Modrić (until minute 61 of the match)

While the Croatian was often the main player on the pitch in recent months, the 35-year-old stood out against the guests of the Basque Country, the efforts of the “international break” and the season thus far. Apart from one or two suboptimal passes, “Lukita” was back at the usual high level in terms of passing (passing percentage of 93 percent), but despite two shots on goal, he could not have a decisive influence on the play. He made way for Toni Kroos in the 68th minute so he could rack up important minutes before the game against Liverpool. TOTAL REAL-Note: 3.

Casemiro

As so many times in his time at Los Blancos, the Brazilian was able to convince at both ends of the field: outstanding defensive actions (three balls won, four clearances, four head duels won) are countered with an immense influence on the offensive game: It is not just as he played a remarkable opening ball in front of Asensio’s denied heel goal, but he prepared his recognition shot in the 41st minute of the game with a strong victory. Perhaps the best Blanco could also have received a penalty (10th). The only downside on a rare day: The 80 percent pass rate is fine, but there’s certainly still room for improvement. TOTAL REAL-Note: 1.5.

Isco (until minute 68 of the match)

In addition to Militão and Marcelo, the third rotation player also took his opportunity to gather arguments from the starting lineup. The game designer tried to get in contact with the ball early on (63 ball actions) and also contributed specific offensive actions. Whether because of a remarkable, unfortunately disapproved assist, or as a moving station in Reals, sometimes a very fluid combination game, Isco was directly involved in a lot of good deeds. Statistically speaking, five key passes, three dribbles and two shots on goal speak of the good performance of the 28-year-old, for whom 3-5-2 as well as Marcelo’s seem to offer new options (actually occupying the position as a designer). of games). TOTAL REAL-Note: 2.

Karim Benzema (until minute 80 of the match)

Ninth goal in the last seven competitive matches! The French are almost under attack these days. Benzema initially missed a great opportunity against Eibar in the fifth minute of the game (3rd), but later he was extremely committed (47 ball actions, three key passes) and thus scored his goal. After the center forward headed offside (5th), he missed after a cross from Vázquez, this time without offside (55th). When there was not much left for a Benzema goal, he did it in the 73rd minute of play with a well-placed header. In the final stages, the 33-year-old gave way to Mariano. TOTAL REAL-Note: 2.

Marco Asensio (until minute 61 of the match)

At the start of the match, it seemed that Asensio should not follow his goals against Atalanta and Celta Vigo despite a good performance: first the crossbar prevented the ball from hitting Eibar’s home (21st), then the Asturian held his fine heel hit a gauze offside (36º). Shortly before the break, Asensio rewarded himself for a good performance by honing Casemiro’s preparatory work with a deft shot in the upper left corner of the goal. He radiated from the forward position (slightly hanging) much more danger of goal than from the right wing and almost scored his second goal shortly before his substitution (52nd). TOTAL REAL-Note: 1.5.

Substitute players

Toni Kroos (from minute 61 of the match)

He arrived at the game at a time when the Basques once again saw their chance at the onset of the rain and with his fair passing play (100 percent pass rate) ensured Los Blancos quickly regained control. Except for a good low pass to Rodrygo (82º), he did not contribute much to the offensive game of the meringues. TOTAL REAL-Note: 3.5.

Rodrygo Goes (from minute 61 of the match)

He only had 13 contacts with the ball in half an hour of play, but at least he fired a shot on goal and made a key pass. TOTAL REAL-Note: 3.5.

Sergio Arribas (from minute 68 of the match)

A great performance from the young man! He immediately joined in and made some notable combinations, like the one before Casemiros offside (71st). In this constitution, it will certainly be an option in the future. TOTAL REAL-Note: 2.5.

Vinícius Júnior (ab der 68. Spielminute)

In just 25 minutes he showed both the virtues and the weaknesses of his entire season: in addition to a strong preparatory work before Benzema’s goal to make it 2-0 (73), the Brazilian stumbled two balls in a promising position. His deep run and basic ability to solve a one-on-one on the wing, but in Real’s current squad structure, make him a serious alternative to the starting eleven time and time again. TOTAL REAL-Note: 2.5.

Mariano Díaz (from minute 80 of the match)

He came for Benzema in the final stages, but remained quite pale in a few minutes of action. Unrated.

Trainer

Zinedine Zidane

Before the game against one of LaLiga’s weaker rivals, the French convinced with many good personnel decisions and a good tactical approach. His decision to play 3-5-2 on the one hand allowed Marcelo (as an offensive winger) and Isco (as a playmaker) to contribute their strengths much better than in other basic formations. Also, the head coach was able to get a glimpse of how Casemiro works at 3-5-2 without the classic under-position clarifier. The fact that the meringues occasions have developed almost as on the assembly line and with a little more fortune he could (or should) have won significantly more, underlines the positive evolution of Reals and Zidane in recent weeks. TOTAL REAL-Note: 2.

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