Real Madrid returned to winning ways after a disappointing midweek performance as they comfortably beat Eibar 3-0 in La Liga on Sunday
The visitors started the game confidently as they traded blows with Los Blancos. But, their resistance was broken in the 17th minute when Paulo Oliveira looped Marco Asensio’s cross over his own goalkeeper in an attempt to clear it.
Asensio then grabbed a goal for himself just before the half-hour mark as he doubled Real Madrid’s advantage with a fine half volley from Isco’s cross. Eibar did not let up despite conceding two goals as they tested Kiko Casilla on a few more occasions.
However, Real Madrid retained control of the proceedings for much of the second half, and rounded off the win with less than ten minutes to go when Marcelo finished off a superb team move. The win saw the hosts continue a strong run of results in La Liga as they look to recover from a slow start to their league campaign.
? FT: #RealMadrid 3-0 @SDEibar (Paulo Oliveira (og) 18′, @marcoasensio10 28′, @MarceloM12 82′).#RMLiga #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/e0GrFtN5k1
— Real Madrid C.F.?? (@realmadriden) October 22, 2017
The defending champions now sit third in the table, five points behind Barcelona who have shown no signs of slowing down so far. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Zinedine Zidane’s men after a comfortable outing on Sunday.
Kiko Casilla: 7.5/10
Was tested on more than one occasion even as his side comfortably controlled the game otherwise. The Real Madrid deputy goalkeeper though, was equal to everything that came his way on the night, barely looking troubled as he kept a well earned clean sheet that will do his confidence a world of good.
Nacho: 7/10
Finally got an opportunity as he replaced young Achraf Hakimi at right-back, and Nacho was as reliable as ever. The Spaniard was seldom troubled by the Eibar defence as he spent most of the match playing as winger. But, his impact in the final third was minimal, something that he would like to improve on going forward.
Sergio Ramos: 7/10
A typically no-nonsense performance by the Real Madrid captain, who dealt with the threat of the Eibar attack well, particularly in the air. Apart from marshalling his side’s defence, Ramos was also a threat in the opposition box in set piece situations. A strong outing, and something to build on.
Raphael Varane: 8/10
His best performance of the season, and one that will give him loads of confidence. Varane sniffed out all the danger that came his way with superb positional awareness while also using his pace to good effect.
On top of that, the Frenchman recycled the ball well, while also losing two markers on one occasion during a forward run. Solid, all in all, as Varane continues coming into some form.
Theo Hernandez: 7/10
A rare start for the youngster as Zidane chose to give Marcelo just a short cameo appearance. Theo was highly impressive as he dealt with the Eibar attack well, while using his blistering pace to great effect bombarding forward.
Increasingly grew into the game as it went on as his attacking threat became more pronounced. His tackling could certainly do with some work, but the player is one for the future.
Casemiro: 6/10
A rather underwhelming outing on the night by Casemiro’s lofty standards. Flirted with danger after going into the book in the first half, and it would not have been unfair had he seen red. The Brazilian was also sloppy in possession, and this is one performance that he would like to forget soon.
Luka Modric: 8/10
Last season’s struggles seem to be a distant memory, a minor blip as Modric is going from strength to strength in 2017-18. On Sunday, the brilliant Croat orchestrated the Real Madrid attack with ease, creating a number of chances on the night. An ageless wonder.
Dani Ceballos: 7/10
An impressive performance by the promising youngster, Ceballos did well in a rare start on the night. His movement was a menace for the Eibar defence to deal with, and he also contributed well with his defensive duties. His link up with Asensio and Isco was impressive as well.
Marco Asensio: 8/10
Marco Asensio is back in the goals for Real Madrid! ? pic.twitter.com/Yfjyp4LrvY
— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 22, 2017
After a period of lull, Asensio showed signs of regaining form as he played a major role in Real Madrid’s triumph. The goal and the assist aside, the young Spaniard was dangerous with his dribbling and link up, but was a tad bit selfish at times.
Cristiano Ronaldo: 5.5/10
Hasn’t been at his best since his return from a five-match ban, and Sunday showed that he struggles a lot when playing as the lone forward. With Asensio and Isco combining well behind him, Ronaldo was often left isolated, although he could have done with some better service as well.
That being said, the Portuguese superstar failed to capitalise on the few chances that did come his way, although he was unlucky to see a firm shot being saved by Dmitrovic. Ronaldo needs to get back to his goalscoring ways and soon.
Isco: 7/10
A solid performance by the consistent Spaniard as he was at the heart of the chances created by Real Madrid. His link up with Asensio, in particular, is promising as that is a sign of things to come. Could have had a goal for himself if not for the brilliance of Dmitrovic, although a strong outing, all in all.
SUBSTITUTES
Karim Benzema: 7/10
The French striker came off from the bench on Sunday after a below par showing against Spurs. But, in a half-hour stint on the field, Benzema showed that there’s still some life left in him as his remarkable link-up play ensured the third and final goal on the night.
Lucas Vazquez: 6/10
Industrious as ever with his display, but his end product was suspect, as has been the case in the recent past.
Marcelo: 7/10
Deployed in an unfamiliar role in midfield during his cameo, Marcelo showed his class as he quickly settled into rhythm in the position before grabbing a goal for himself when he finished the move that he had started himself.
