Despite a disappointing display at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid reached their 21st win of this La Liga season by defeating a brave Alaves 3-0 on Sunday. Zinedine Zidane's team struggled to control the match for long spells, especially during a lacklustre second half during which the visitors played as though they were the home team. Madrid's ability in the final third made the difference between both teams, but Zidane won't be happy with this performance.

Positives

One fewer match remaining in La Liga, winning what in fact was a textbook trap game and keeping the advantage over Barcelona. The visitors are having a very decent season, and they could have caught Real Madrid by surprise after an international break. Karim Benzema looks as focused as he's been in a white shirt, while Cristiano Ronaldo seems to be getting that top speed he'd been missing in the first half of the season. Nacho is as reliable as they come. Zidane rested a few players and the team did not lose any points, although this performance was far from good.

Negatives

Luka Modric's slump has become too obvious. The team have forgotten how to find Gareth Bale in advantageous situations. The second-half performance was extremely poor from the very first minute, as the team seemed to be content with a 1-0 lead and deferred the control of the match to Alaves. The team missed Sergio Ramos, or at least someone with the energy to push the side forward in the second half.

Manager rating out of 10

6 -- Took the risk to rest all the transatlantic travellers during the international break (Keylor Navas, James Rodriguez and Marcelo), plus skipper Ramos and it paid off, although the team did not perform well. He failed to influence the squad's performance in the second half, as his substitutions made sense, but weren't especially daring.

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

GK Kiko Casilla, 7 -- Authoritative in high crosses, conservative with his feet, he dealt well with what came his way.

DF Danilo, 7 -- His first 45 minutes were as solid as the Bernabeu has seen from him. In the second half, he misplaced a few passes and looked hesitant again, missing a couple of coverages. He then heard a few whistles from the crowd. However, this was a step in the right direction.

DF Raphael Varane, NR -- Picked up an injury in the 11th minute.

DF Pepe, 7 -- Solid performance in the middle of the defence. Took care of Alaves' high crosses with ease.

DF Nacho Fernandez, 7 -- Started as a left-back and moved to the centre of the defence after Varane left. Was almost perfect and even added Madrid's third after Bale's free kick. His performance this season is reaching outstanding heights.

MF Luka Modric, 4 -- The Croatian's body seemed unable to execute what his mind requested. Modric's usual repertoire of through balls and sensible moves became a series of erratic passes and ill-advised decision making. Among his worst performances at the Bernabeu.

MF Toni Kroos, 7 -- Took the lead in the centre of midfield and distributed the ball well. Was the only player to push the team forward for some spells of the second half.

MF Isco, 8 -- He did not play in his preferred position, which became obvious in some instances in which he got the ball as a winger and did not take advantage of the situation to face the opposing full-back. However, most moments of attacking inspiration came through the diminutive midfielder, who ended up scoring a beauty in the final minutes of the match.

FW Gareth Bale, 6 -- Two impressions regarding the Welshman are becoming stronger with each passing match: one, he is executing his runs with extreme care, as though he weren't totally fit. Second, after so many matches out injured, the team have forgotten how to get the most of Bale, as they only find him in advantageous situations once or twice per match. Many left with the feeling that the team own a Ferrari but they are too young to drive.

FW Karim Benzema, 8 -- Tried as hard as he could, scored the opener and moved around the final third with intelligence. Fine performance by the Frenchman.

FW Cristiano Ronaldo, 8 -- If this is the new Ronaldo, the Real Madrid faithful should be fine with it. Even though this wasn't his brightest afternoon in front of goal, he found spaces, passed the ball well and showed his speed of yore in a couple of good plays. Assisted Isco for Madrid's second.

Substitutes

DF Dani Carvajal, 6 -- Replaced Varane after 11 minutes. He was supposed to rest, but played almost 80 minutes after Varane's injury. His energetic self, he assisted Benzema for the opener and was as engaged as usual. Risked a yellow with a few hard fouls.

MF Mateo Kovacic, 6 -- Replaced Modric after 68 minutes. He's no Modric with the ball, but the team felt his energy and will to play after he joined the match.

FW Lucas Vazquez, 6 -- Replaced Benzema after 81 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]