Another Madrid derbi and more points lost for Real Madrid in a 0-0 draw with Atletico, but they certainly did enough to win the game. After Barcelona’s draw with Athletic Bilbao earlier on Saturday, it remains as you were at the top of LaLiga after seven games.
Positives
Real Madrid needed a response after their failure to show up in Seville. They started off a little wobbly, which is understandable, but grew into the game and dominated the second half. Some bold substitutions from Julen Lopetegui and some good performances from the younger Los Blancos to boost confidence.
Negatives
Lopetegui promised a better version of the team we saw against Sevilla, and while they were that, they played predictably and there was no creativity in their approach in the first half. Karim Benzema continues to be a problem with no solution within the squad, and they need goals if they are to compete domestically and beyond this season.
Manager rating out of 10
8 — Lopetegui started with the starting eleven that brought Real Madrid so much success in recent years in Europe. When that didn’t work, he made changes to spice things up and he almost got it spot on. The change at the break was caused by injury to Gareth Bale, but Dani Ceballos was the exact person the game needed. A brave approach with Vinicius Junior ultimately didn’t pay off, but it didn’t hurt either.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Thibaut Courtois, 8 — Made a decent save from Saul at the start and rejected Antoine Griezmann in a one-on-one in the same half. Did the same on Diego Costa shortly after. His best performance in a Real Madrid shirt to date. Had little to do in the second half, but his first-half shift was enough to prove any doubters wrong.
DF Dani Carvajal, 7 — Delivered a lovely cross into Benzema that was blocked in the first half. Booked quite harshly for his first foul of the game in the opening 45 too. Didn’t miss a beat on his return to the team and was a constant threat down the right-hand side.
DF Sergio Ramos, 6 — Not the most assured performance from Ramos. Booked in the second half for an elbow on Angel Correa. Made a couple of important clearances and interceptions late in the game as he tried to urge his side forward.
DF Raphael Varane, 6 — Atletico’s two best chances came from his side as he misjudged the through ball, even though they weren’t his fault. Used his pace to recover on plenty of occasions too, though. Kept Costa and Griezmann quite throughout.
DF Nacho, 6 — Struggled with the combination of Thomas Lemar and Juanfran on the flank in the first half but that abated in the second period. Not as assured in his defensive approach, but you rarely have to worry about Nacho as he figures out a way to get it done.
MF Toni Kroos, 7 — Coughed up the ball for one of Atletico’s chances in the first half. Looked dangerous with his delivery at times and nearly set Bale up at the back post from a free kick in the opening 45. Improved when Ceballos came on, and he was allowed more room and had more options to link and switch play.
MF Casemiro, 6 — No marauding runs up the field and kept Griezmann quiet all night. More sturdy than spectacular, which is what you want from your defensive midfielder.
MF Luka Modric, 5 — Uncharacteristically quiet in the first half. Kept the ball moving well but sloppy with one pass and over-hit another ball over the top. That continued in the second half as he continues to be far from his best. Replaced after 82 minutes by Lucas Vazquez.
MF Marco Asensio, 8 — Almost got lucky when Jan Oblak kicked the ball off him as he cleared in the first half. A little aimless from the attacking midfielder, but improved massively in the second 45. Broke through enemy lines time and time again without being able to apply the finish that would have capped a very good performance.
MF Gareth Bale, 5 — Made a couple of surging runs down the left in the first half. Almost turned home a free kick after 20 minutes and looked lovely. Subbed at half-time due to injury.
FW Karim Benzema, 4 — Anonymous in the first half. Had one chance blocked and did little else. Pushed over in the second half and wanted a penalty on one occasion but another very quiet game from the French striker. Whistled as he was taken off on 88 minutes.
Substitutes
MF Dani Ceballos, 9 — Entered at half-time for Bale. Added more creativity and control than Real Madrid had in first half. Changed the game and made them way more potent all over the field with his presence.
MF Lucas Vazquez, NR — Replaced Modric for a cameo with eight minutes to go. Had a few touches but nothing that impacted the game.
FW Vinicius Junior, NR — Made his long-awaited debut with three minutes to make an impact. He looked like a player keen to make the headlines and tried a couple of runs in behind the defence. Wasn’t up to the speed of the game but showed flashes of his electric pace when looking to get in behind and had Atletico on notice.
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