Villarreal 1-1 Real Madrid: Player Ratings as Los Blancos Cling on for Point

Mariano Diaz
Real Madrid were pegged back again | Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 away draw by Villarreal on Saturday in La Liga, with Mariano Diaz’s early header cancelled out by a Gerard Moreno penalty.

Zinedine Zidane’s men made a dream start, taking the lead after just two minutes through Mariano; the striker powering home an excellent header. Los Blancos were comfortable for large parts of the first half, but didn’t create too many openings.

Villarreal should have equalised in the second period through Moreno, but after missing that chance, he was handed the opportunity to draw the Yellow Submarines level from the penalty spot after Thibaut Courtois was adjudged to have fouled Samuel Chukwueze.

He cooly tucked away his effort from 12 yards, but despite the hosts looked the more threatening in the closing stages, they were unable to find a winner.

Right, let’s get into some player ratings, shall we? Good idea…

FBL-ESP-LIGA-VILLARREAL-REAL MADRIDFBL-ESP-LIGA-VILLARREAL-REAL MADRID
Torres was once again very solid in his work | JOSE JORDAN/Getty Images

Sergio Asenjo (GK) – 5/10 – Couldn’t really have done much about Real’s opener and wasn’t tested all that often.

Mario (RB) – 5/10 – Dealt well with the threat of Eden Hazard on the whole and looked to get forward and support attacks when possible.

Raul Albiol (CB) – 6/10 – Calm and composed, Albiol was typically comfortable building play on the ball – but will be disappointed to have conceded so early on.

Pau Torres (CB) – 7/10 – Another strong defensive display from Torres, stepping out from the back to start attacks when possible. A star of the future.

Alfonso (LB) – 4/10 – It was a tough afternoon for Alfonso, with the majority of Real’s attacks coming down the hosts’ left. Replaced in the second half.

Dani Parejo, Luka ModricDani Parejo, Luka Modric
Parejo missed a few good chances | Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Manu Trigueros (CM) – 7/10 – Made a number of runs from deep, but was often not picked out. Impressive movement and vision.

Vicente Iborra (CM) – 6/10 – Worked hard to close down the spaces in the centre of the park, but was too passive in possession and didn’t really look to break the lines too often.

Dani Parejo (CM) – 7/10 – A classy midfielder, Parejo showed moments of real quality. Did miss a number of good chances to equalise, mind you.

Gerard Moreno, Thibaut CourtoisGerard Moreno, Thibaut Courtois
Moreno kept his nerve to net the equaliser | Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Gerard Moreno (FW) – 7/10 – Was kept fairly quiet by Ferland Mendy in the first half, but came alive in the second period and popped up with the all-important leveller.

Moi Gomez (FW) – 5/10 – Benefited from the runs made by the likes of Trigueros, but didn’t really look to commit Carvajal often enough. Worked hard though.

Carlos Bacca (FW) – 4/10 – Was unable to really get involved before being taken off as Villarreal searched for an equaliser.

Unai Emery, Alejandro Jose Hernandez HernandezUnai Emery, Alejandro Jose Hernandez Hernandez
Emery will be pleased with his side’s reaction | Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Samuel Chukwueze – 7/10 – Brought energy to the team, winning the penalty which Moreno converted.

Pervis Esupinan – 7/10

Yeremi Pino – 6/10

Ruben Pena – N/A

Take Kubo – N/A

Dani Carvajal, Alfonso PedrazaDani Carvajal, Alfonso Pedraza
Carvajal worked hard down the right | Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Thibaut Courtois (GK) – 4/10 – Will have expected a tough afternoon against a strong Villarreal side, and this is what he got. Gave away the penalty and couldn’t save Moreno’s effort.

Dani Carvajal (RB) – 5/10 – Was an outlet down the right for Real, producing a sublime cross for the opener. Was found out defensively at times.

Nacho (CB) – 6/10 – It’s a tough ask to fill in for Sergio Ramos, but Nacho was solid at the back and communicated well with Varane. Was unable to help Real keep a clean sheet though.

Raphael Varane (CB) – 7/10 – Not 100% fit after picking up an injury while away on international duty, but led the defensive line with confidence and was commanding in his work.

Ferland Mendy (LB) – 6/10 – Enjoyed himself down the left, producing moments of magic. Linked up well with those in midfield when going forward.

Toni KroosToni Kroos
Kroos’ range of passing was outstanding | Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Toni Kroos (CM) – 7/10 – It may have not been that long ago when Kroos and his Germany teammates were on the receiving end of a battering by Spain, but the midfielder dictated play at points on Saturday with ease.

Luka Modric (CM) – 6/10 – Like Kroos, Modric kept things ticking over nicely in midfield, but playing in the double pivot, Villarreal were able to get in behind. Casemiro was missed.

Martin Odegaard (CAM) – 5/10 – Typically associated with lovely passes and moments of brilliance, it was actually Odegaard’s work rate when out of possession which was most noticeable.

MarianoMariano
Mariano was excellent | Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Lucas Vazquez (RW) – 5/10 – As hard working as ever down the right, but failed to produce the required end product at points.

Eden Hazard (LW) – 6/10 – Had the opportunity to commit has man on a number of occasions, but seemed to take the ‘safe’ option too often. Did produce a fairly outrageous piece of skill though.

Mariano Diaz (ST) – 7/10 – Well, Mariano sure did take his chance. Only in the side because Zidane had no other options, but was excellent and took his chance wonderfully.

Zinedine ZidaneZinedine Zidane
Zidane will be frustrated with his side’s inability to see out the game | Angel Martinez/Getty Images

Vinicius Junior – 5/10

Isco – 4/10

Marco Asensio – N/A

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