Real Madrid won an extremely demanding match in Villarreal, coming back from 2-0 down and keeping the lead in the La Liga standings with a 3-2 win. The home side dominated for the opening hour, controlling possession and creating clear chances, but the participation of Isco Alarcon and Madrid's final push proved too much for the hosts.

Positives

The victory was key to keep La Liga's top spot and recover morale after the midweek loss in Valencia. Gareth Bale showed he adds something special to the attack, while Isco had a fantastic performance off the bench. Daniel Carvajal continues to add extraordinary performances to an outstanding season. Alvaro Morata is putting pressure on Karim Benzema goal after goal.

Negatives

The initial formation struggled to win possession and control proceedings, playing too direct and lacking the necessary calm to reduce the pace of the match. Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, skilled as they are, should adjust their game to different matches and rivals, and they failed to do so for the first 60 minutes here. Benzema, industrious and mobile, has real issues to find the net in La Liga.

Manager rating out of 10

7 -- For the first time in over three months, Zidane was able to start his preferred lineup of Bale, Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo up top. The formation showed its drawbacks: Madrid spent most of the match chasing shadows, unable to dispossess an excellent Villarreal. Zidane's substitutions worked out, especially Isco, who changed the match from the left side. The manager probably learned the lesson from Mestalla and added the diminutive midfielder, a great player to orchestrate comebacks.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Keylor Navas, 6 -- Was helpless for both goals, but his magic seems to be at an historic low.

DF Daniel Carvajal, 9 -- Was probably Real Madrid's best player. Impeccable at the back, tireless for all 90 minutes, assisted Bale for the 2-1 and presented Morata with another cross that the striker should have put away.

DF Pepe, 8 -- Did not disappoint in his return to the starting XI. In fact, he did better than Ramos and played at a level that should make the club's management reconsider his renewal.

DF Sergio Ramos, 5 -- Was given plenty of trouble by familiar foe Cedric Bakambu. Even though he pushed the team forward and will be happy for the win, his own performance was subpar.

DF Marcelo, 7 -- Was the perfect thermometre for this match: wasteful and not very concentrated during the first 60 minutes but excellent when the flow of the game became chaotic. As usual, he played well when Isco joined the match and assisted Morata for the winner.

MF Luka Modric, 6 -- Had some good movement at the beginning and plenty of pieces of skill, but failed to take control of the game and ran after the ball far too often.

MF Casemiro, 7 -- Was well-positioned and tactically alert to prevent a few Villarreal moves from succeeding.

MF Toni Kroos, 6 -- Got Real Madrid going with his passing in the second half, but similarly to Modric, he will not have been happy with his first-half display.

FW Gareth Bale, 7 -- Showed his class on several occasions in his first start since returning from injury, but seemed to be constantly managing his energy. Scored another headed goal but left the pitch limping after a knock by Denis Cheryshev.

FW Karim Benzema, 5 -- Was industrious without the end product. And, yet again, his substitute Morata scored after replacing him.

FW Cristiano Ronaldo, 8 -- After a subpar first half, he hit the post with a left-footed volley, scored calmly from the spot and started the play that led to Morata's winner. Seems closer to his best shape as the season goes along.

Substitutes

MF Isco Alarcon, 8 -- Replaced Casemiro after 58 minutes. His partnership with Marcelo on the left changed the flow of the game and gave Villarreal plenty of trouble.

FW Alvaro Morata, 7 -- Replaced Benzema after 77 minutes. In 13 minutes, he scored the winner and should have added a second. Increased the pressure on his teammate even more.

MF Lucas Vazquez, N/R -- Replaced Bale after 89 minutes.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by EDUARDO ALVAREZ

If you have any stories or news that you would like to share with the global online community, please feel free to share it with us by contacting us directly at [email protected]