Real Madrid ratings after 2-1 loss against Alavés
Thibaut Courtois made another costly error and Eden Hazard suffered another injury as Real Madrid were deservedly beaten by Deportivo Alavés.
Real Madrid were handed another Liga defeat against Alavés as the defending champions were beaten 2-1 by Alavés at the Di Stéfano on Saturday. Following a 4-1 loss at Valencia and a 1-1 draw at Villarreal, Zinedine Zidane’s side have now taken one point from three games and face Sevilla and Atlético next.
Here’s how Madrid’s players fared against Pablo Machín’s visiting side.
Thibaut Courtois: Guessed the direction of Lucas Pérez’s penalty but was powerless to stop it. Courtois actually had a pretty good game, making several key stops to keep Madrid within reach of a comeback but his error for the second goal will be what is remembered, a switch-off and an assist for Joselu.
Lucas Vazquez: Filling in at right back, Vázquez was given the run-around by the excellent Luis Rioja but rolled up his sleeves without complaining as the back line crumbled around him. Got forward when he could and had a decent effort in ther 74th minute.
Raphaël Varane: Without Sergio Ramos at his side Varane failed again to provide leadership in the centre of defence. Lucas Pérez and Joselu had him in their pockets.
Nacho: After taming Romelu Lukaku in Milan, Nacho was also out of sorts against Alavñes and conceded the penalty that paved the way for the visitors’ win, even if it was unfortunate.
Marcelo: Another poor performance from the captain on the night. His error led to the corner from which Alavés were awarded their penalty and although he may have had one at the other end when Laguardia inexplicably pulled his hair Marcelo was hardly at the races and hooked on 69 minutes.
Casemiro: Even the presence of Madrid’s safety blanket could not prevent another defeat. Casemiro led by example and his determination game Madrid a lifeline late on.
Toni Kroos: The Germany international is also struggling for form, especially in defensive duties and from dead ball situations. A yellow card born of pure frustration was evidence of his inability to turn the tide and he is not living up to his status as an undisputed starter.
Luka Modric: The midfielder’s class remains intact but he was also powerless to gain Madrid a foothold in the centre of the pitch despite some wonderful touches. At 35 and after influencing so many of Madrid’s successes he has earned the right to avoid censure for a collective off day.
Eden Hazard: The Belgian suffered yet another injury setback that will be examined on Sunday to determine its extent but it appeared to be another muscle issue. He appears to be jinxed; every time he comes back there is another layoff around the corner. He lasted 30 minutes on Saturday after playing a vital role against Inter Milan.
Mariano: Since his glorious strike against Villarreal Mariano has barely had a half chance and he was unable to get on the score sheet again, although he did have an effort cleared off the line at 2-0.
Marco Asensio: The Spain international has not been directly involved in a Madrid goal since the final day of last season. He is lacking spark and was off-key from the outset against Alavés. Even the support of Lucas failed to give him a platform to build on and he was guilty of leaving his teammate alone in defensive duties as well.
Substitutes
Rodrygo: His introduction lent Madrid a different element but he was unable to recreate his Inter heroics. Even so, and despite coming off the bench, he was one of Madrid’s better players.
Vincius: Sent on to add a different outlet for Madrid’s attack, by then his side were already in chaos. His shot led to Casemiro’s goal.
Ferland Mendy: Came on to replace Marcelo and immediately made the defence more solid. The Frenchman has become indispensable for Zidane.
Isco: Looked to thread his passes through the ranks of Alavés defenders but is out of form and hammered a shot high and a free kick straight into the wall. A glorious, trademark effort clipped the bar with the last kick of the game and in more fortunate times might have crept in but luck has deserted Isco.
Martin Odegaard: After two starts in Villarreal and Milan he was left on the bench and came on in place of Kroos, immediately improving Madrid’s options from dead ball situations.