Real Madrid player ratings vs Real Valladolid: LaLiga Santander
Real Madrid had to dig deep in Valladolid with a late headed winner from Nacho enough to claim maximum points and top the LaLiga table.
Zidane's men emerge from Valladolid with maximum points from a hard fought battle in the Jose Zorilla Stadium. A late Nacho header proved to be the difference as the defender latched onto a pin-point assist from German midfielder Toni Kroos bagging the only goal of the night.
Here's how Zidane's men fared in our 1x1 player match rating:
Courtois: Another clean sheet for the Belgian stopper who was forced into action only on a handful of occasions in the first half but was alert at clearing the ball from speculative crosses and a dangerous corner.
Nacho: The defender was Zidane's saviour tonight leaping among a sea of purple and white to nod home with a majestically placed header from a fine Toni Kroos assist. The defender was also competent in his defensive duties.
Varane: A solid performance from the French defender who rarely put a foot wrong tonight at the Jose Zorilla stadium. Quick to intervene to stem the Valladolid counter attacks and always offering a threat in Real Madrid dead ball situations.
Ramos: The Real Madrid captain announced his return to action with some early robust tackles which agitated the home crowd. An accomplished performance from the captain.
Mendy: The French international was solid for Zidane and always a threat with his forays into the opposition half with some particularly impressive dribbles in the first 45 minutes.
Casemiro: AS English Man of the match: The Brazilian saw an 11th minute headed goal over-ruled by VAR for a marginal offside but once again the central player was at the heart of the action and continues to be one of Zidane's key players in helping the Bernabéu side sit on top of the table.
Kroos: A discreet first half saw the German grow as the game grew on with the midfielder on hand to provide a pin-point pass for Nacho to claim the only goal of the night.
Modric: The Croatian was heavily marked by the home side which denied him the chance to deliver his usual repertoire of intricate passes and general creativity.
Isco: The Benalmadena born player showed flashes of what he is capable of in the first 45' despite being heavily policed by the Valladolid rear-guard. Delivered a sublime pass in the 50th minute for Bernzema only to watch the striker spurs the opportunity. Eventually made way for Lucas Vazquez in the 73rd minute.
Rodrygo: A bright first half from the Brazilian was countered by a discreet second 45'. Created a series of threats from mazy runs and will feel he was worth of a late penalty following a push by Valladolid's Antonito in the box. Was a injury time substitute for Jovic.
Benzema: The French forward has now gone six games without finding the target and was offered a gilt edged opportunity to change that balance spurning a 50th minute effort from a fine Isco assist.
Substitutes
Lucas Vázquez played for the final 20 minutes replacing Isco and was rarely in the action with Valverde and Jovic coming on with little time for either player to make an impression.