Real Madrid Player Ratings: Vazquez and Asensio star
Real Madrid waltzed into the quarter-finals of the Champions League after nabbing an away goal before Casemiro's deflected effort ensured their qualification.
Keylor Navas, 8: Good stop from Mbappe at the end of the first half. Offered Real Madrid protection on the rare occasions when they needed it and was brave on occasion too.
Dani Carvajal 8: Had a battle in the first half with Mbappe and then Di Maria in the second half and gave neither an inch. Returned to the side and gave Real Madrid security on the right-hand side.
Sergio Ramos 8.5: Alert from the start. Showed good anticipation and led from the back. Nearly scored in the first half when Asensio teed him up. Played the captain's role that is expected of him.
Raphael Varane 8: Excellent in the air and stepping out for an offside at the start of the game. Also good, as usual, with the ball at his feet and injected pace into the change of play nicely.
Marcelo 7: Not in the best physical form and it was noticed, going forward and in defense. Di Maria was put out on him to try and take advantage and in the second half, Mbappe was sent out to do a job but nothing came of it. When Real Madrid went ahead, he really improved and played to his style.
Lucas Vazquez 9: What a game from the youth product. Took advantage of his opportunity, not just for the assist for Cristiano to go 0-1 up but hs workrate and delivery all game was excellent. Adds much needed balance to the side and while he didn't enjoy the best first half, he was decisive in the second half. Almost scored in the 82nd minute too when the ball hit the post.
Casemiro 9: Without Modric and Kroos on the field, Casemiro took the game on his shoulders. He looked under pressure when on the ball but won a bunch of frees, which allowed the pressure to ease on Real Madrid. Great presence in the middle and scored a goal too.
Mateo Kovacic 8: He ran himself into the ground covering for Marcelo time and again and threw himself around too. Replaced by Kroos in the 70th minute and while it wasn't his most attacking game with Rabiot and Motta in front of him, he played an important role.
Marco Asensio 8.5: Broke the game wide open with a pass to Vazquez that led to Ronaldo's header. Took advantage of Alves' attacking style by going at the Brazilian plenty of times in the second half and enjoyed himself much more in the second half. He came close to scoring too when he hit the post in the second half.
Karim Benzema 7: Moved well around the pitch, but in the moment of truth, when he had to finish, he couldn't. Whitled when he was replaced by Bale on 72nd minute and missed just before that too when he had Ronaldo in support. Needs to find his shooting boots.
Cristiano Ronaldo 8.5: Looked for a penalty in the first half that the ref didn't give. Headed wide in the second half and that was a warning shot. He scored the important away goal and set Real Madrid on their way. Always there when you need him.
From the bench
Kroos: Came on for Kovacic on 70 minutes when Verratti was sent off. Added more balance but hardly needed.
Bale: Replaced Benzema. Could have had an assist but Asensio's shot hit the post and will be upset not to have started.
Isco: Came on for Asensio. He had a lovely strike that was saved by Areola but, again, upset not to have started and came on when the tie was dead.
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