REAL MADRID-ATALANTA
Real Madrid player ratings after solid UCL win over Atalanta
Goals from Benzema, Ramos (penalty) and a late strike from substitute Marcos Asensio were enough to see Zidane's men progress to the quarter final of the Champions League.
Real Madrid were never really troubled by Serie A's Atalanta at Valdebebas with Karim Benzema easing any jitters with a calm finish in the 34th minute after an error from Sportiello in the Atalanta goal. Second half strikes from Ramos and Asensio eclipsed a fine free-kick from Luis Muriel who bagged a late consolation for the visitors with a wonderfully executed dead-ball strike.
Real Madrid player ratings (vs Atalanta)
Courtois: The Belgian was rarely called upon in the first half but on the few second half occasions he was forced into action, as Atalanta pressed, the keeper was alert to deprive the visitors with one exceptional stop from Duvan Zapata. The keeper struggled with the Atalanta goal and was possibly distracted by the off the ball movement before Muriel struck. (8/10)
Lucas Vazquez: A decent performance from the Galician who was solid at the back and looked to get forward when possible to compliment the Real Madrid counter attacks. (7/10)
Varane: An accomplished evening from the French international who alongside Ramos at the heart of the Real Madrid marshalled the Atalanta strikers and was only really stretched with the introduction of Ilicic and Zapata. (7/10)
Sergio Ramos: Solid display from the veteran defender with his partnership with Varane water-tight. The defender drilled home expertly his spot kick which in essence killed off any faint Atalanta hopes of staging a dramatic comeback. (8/10)
Nacho: A reliable performance from the defender who only blotted his copybook with a yellow card in the second half. (7/10)
Mendy: A good night for the French international who was alert in defensive duties and always quick to augment Real Madrid's foray's into the opposition half. (7/10)
Modric: Once again, the central player displayed an energetic performance that belies his age. The Croatian pulled the stings in the middle of the pitch and was instrumental in the opening goal intercepting the poor clearance and teeing up Benzema. (8/10)
Kroos: Exceptional in the first half with some fine link-up play as Madrid looked to spring swift counters and also marshalling the midfield admirably in a defensive capacity in the absence of Casemiro. (7/10)
Valverde: The Uruguayan is still easing his way back to full match fitness after his lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury. Made way for Asensio in the 81st minute. (6.5/10)
Benzema: A colossal performance from the Frenchman (especially in the first half). Opened the scoring to bag his sixth goal in five games and almost netted a second with his header striking the Atalanta woodwork in the second period. Seeing the striker help out deep inside his own half in the first 45' as Atalanta pressed would have delighted Zizou. AS English man of the match (9/10)
Vinicius: The Brazilian tormented the Atalanta rear-guard with his trademark mazy runs in both halves. Almost bagged an incredible individual goal as he shimmied past a series of men in black and blue only to see his poked finish trickle wide of the Atalanta goal. Eventually made way for compatriot Rodrygo in the 69th minute. (7.5/10)
Militao: A return for the former FC Porto man who replaced Ramos in the 64th minute and was solid in his role. (6.5/10)
Rodrygo: The former Santos man looked bright as he marauded on the left hand side and almost scored with a foray into the Atalanta box but just failing to secure a finish to cap off the move. (6.5/10)
Asensio: Came on for Valverde with less than ten minutes on the clock and will have boosted his confidence finding the net with his first touch with a fine left footed finish moments after Atalanta had scored. (7/10)
