Marco Asensio scored the only goal of the game as Real Madrid edged out a narrow 1-0 victory over Granada at the Santiago Bernabeu in La Liga on Sunday.
Coming into the game without a win in their last two matches in all competitions, Real Madrid needed to turn things around but did not make the best of starts as Granada almost went ahead just four minutes in. However, Thibaut Courtois was at hand to stop Antonio Puertas’ goal-bound effort. The hosts, though, failed to muster up any chances going forward as Robert Moreno’s men held firm at the back.
However, things started to open up with time as Marco Asensio drew a couple of saves from the Granada goalkeeper before Toni Kroos brushed the top of the crossbar. Isco, too, saw an effort saved as both teams went into the break on level terms. Real Madrid looked much sharper after the break and carved out a few openings but had to wait until the 74th minute to break the deadlock.
Asensio, who had looked the most dangerous all through the game, produced a moment of magic, rifling in a powerful strike from distance to put Los Blancos in front. After going behind, Granada started to push and probe in search of an equaliser, but Carlo Ancelotti’s men kept things locked down at the back to protect the clean sheet and seal three points.
The result sees Real Madrid extend their lead at the top of the table to six points after second-placed Sevilla were held to a draw on Saturday. Here are our player ratings for the Merengues stars after a hard-fought victory at home.
Real Madrid Player Ratings
Thibaut Courtois: 7/10
The Belgian international made a huge save to deny Puertas within five minutes of kickoff and was a reliable and composed presence between the sticks throughout the encounter.
Dani Carvajal: 7/10
Replacing Lucas Vazquez at right-back, Carvajal showed his quality and the value he adds to this Real Madrid side, providing a constant attacking outlet down the right side. The Spaniard even sent in some tasty crosses, one of which nearly forced an own goal. Defensively, the veteran was solid and reliable as well.
Takeaways from last night's game:
1. This is pretty obvious but Carvajal elevates our game to a much higher level. It's amazing how well he contributes not only in both attack and defense, but also in playing out from the back. A fit Carvajal is our key to European success, pic.twitter.com/DCIoJFK96s
— Real Madrid Triangles (@MadridRole) February 7, 2022
Eder Militao: 6.5/10
Not as assured as he was in the game against Athletic Bilbao, the Brazilian had one or two jittery moments. However, he played his part in helping the team protect the clean sheet and bagging all three points with some key interventions.
David Alaba: 7/10
Reinstated to the heart of the defence with Marcelo returning to the side, the Austrian had a lot of covering to do for the Brazilian, which he did fairly well. Alaba was never afraid to drive forward with the ball and created a chance for Luka Modric.
Marcelo: 6/10
Back into the starting XI, the Brazilian was guilty of leaving spaces behind, which Granada almost capitalised on early in the game through Puertas. However, he did improve with time and was also effective with his forward forays, providing an extra body in attack.
Respeto y cariño a una leyenda del Real Madrid.
La ovación del Bernabéu a Marcelo. #LaCasaDelFútbol pic.twitter.com/tp3g4ITMrx— Fútbol en Movistar Plus+ (@MovistarFutbol) February 6, 2022
Luka Modric: 6.5/10
Retained in the starting XI, the Croatian midfielder looked tired and fatigued on the night but still put in the hard yards, pressing the opposition with intensity when not in possession and trying to push forward with the ball at his feet. Still, it was not a typical Luka Modric display.
Eduardo Camavinga: 5/10
Starting against Granada due to Casemiro’s absence, the Frenchman looked out of place in the early parts of the game, allowing the visitors to put pressure on the Merengues. While he was forward-thinking in his passes, there were a few unforced errors due to which Ancelotti opted to replace him with Fede Valverde at half-time.
Toni Kroos: 7/10
After a disappointing game in midweek, Kroos bounced back with a good performance on Sunday night. The German international came close to breaking the deadlock in the first half with his curled effort brushing the top of the goal. He constantly fed balls on the flanks for Asensio and Carvajal, helping Madrid pin Granada back.
Marco Asensio: 8/10
The Spanish international looked the most likely to make things happen for Real Madrid on the night as he constantly asked questions of the visitors’ defence with his sharp movement on the right. Asensio backed himself each time he got on the ball and tested the goalkeeper on multiple occasions before scoring the eventual match-winner with a stunning strike.
Marco Asensio this season:
– 12 starts
– 8 goals
– 1 assist pic.twitter.com/y4mQ4CsM0f— Madrid Xtra. (@MadridXtra) February 6, 2022
Isco: 7/10
In Karim Benzema’s absence, Carlo Ancelotti started the out-of-favour Isco in an unfamiliar false-nine role and surprisingly, the Spanish playmaker looked decent in the position. His movement in the final third created spaces for those around him while he even forced a save from the Granada goalkeeper. He also made some interesting runs to cause problems to the defence while playing three key passes as well.
Rodrygo Goes: 5/10
Another subdued display from the Brazilian despite being deployed in his customary position on the left flank. There were one or two moments when he combined well with Camavinga but failed to impact the proceedings.
SUBSTITUTES
Federico Valverde: 7/10
?| Robert Moreno (Granada manager): “I am disappointed because the result is not good for us, I feel we played a good game and tactically we planned well. We had two great attempts but difficult to play here. Valverde made a big difference.”
— Madrid Xtra. (@MadridXtra) February 6, 2022
Replaced Camavinga at half-time and added some much-needed bite and intensity in the middle of the park for Real Madrid. His introduction sparked some life into the team as he pressed the visitors high and forced mistakes while playing forward passes. He deserves to start next time out.
Luka Jovic: 6/10
He replaced Isco in the 65th minute and combined well with fellow substitute Eden Hazard before sending a strike into the side-netting. He had another shot which he scuffed with his weaker foot.
Eden Hazard: 7/10
He came on for Rodrygo in the 65th minute and livened things up in attack. Hazard created two big chances for Jovic soon after coming on and looked confident on the ball, trying to take on defenders.
Nacho: N/A
On for Marcelo late in the game.
Dani Ceballos: N/A
Replaced Modric for the final few minutes.
