Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga and Karim Benzema starred as Real Madrid came from behind to beat Real Sociedad 4-1 in La Liga on Saturday.
Real Madrid were not off to the best of starts at the Santiago Bernabeu, as Dani Carvajal gave away a penalty just eight minutes into the game, which Mikel Oyarzabal tucked away effortlessly to put Real Sociedad on top. However, Los Blancos started to show their quality not long after as they pressed in search of an equaliser.
Casemiro came close to scoring before his midfield partner Eduardo Camavinga levelled things up in the 40th minute with a brilliant strike from 25 yards out via a deflection from Asier Illarramendi. Two minutes later, Karim Benzema thought he had made it 2-1, but saw his goal chalked off for a marginal offside call. However, Luka Modric unleashed a long-range stunner to put Real Madrid in front just a minute later.
Real Madrid were dominant in the early stages of the second half. Benzema had a shot saved, before seeing another goal chalked off for offside in the buildup. But he finally got his goal in the 76th minute from the penalty spot as Vinicius Junior was adjudged to have been fouled inside the box by VAR after the referee had initially awarded a free kick.
Three minutes later, substitute Marco Asensio executed a composed finish to make it 4-1 and add more sheen to the scoreline. With Sevilla dropping points on Friday night, Real Madrid have opened up an eight-point gap at the top of the La Liga standings with 11 matches left to be played. Here are our player ratings for Carlo Ancelotti’s men after a thumping win against La Real.
Real Madrid Player Ratings
Thibaut Courtois: 6/10
The Belgian international did not have a lot to do on Saturday as the Real Madrid defence did its job on the night. He went the right way for the penalty, but could not stop Oyarzabal from scoring.
Dani Carvajal: 6/10
The veteran right-back gave away the penalty early on with a poor foul on David Silva. However, he grew more and more solid in defence with time and kept Oyarzabal quiet. Carvajal was also a regular attacking outlet down the right flank and redeemed himself by setting Asensio up for the fourth goal.
Eder Militao: 7/10
Rock-solid from the Brazilian international, who had to deal with some early pressure from the visitors, but did so with comfort. Militao bossed his duel against Alexander Isak, who struggled to get a sight of the Real Madrid goal on the night.
David Alaba: 7.5/10
What a transfer @David_Alaba has turned out to be! ??? pic.twitter.com/gMgreh9kuX
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) March 5, 2022
Back into the lineup after recovering from an injury, the Austrian showed his class with a fine all-round performance. Alaba read the game well and cut out attacks effectively, while he was also not afraid of charging forward with the ball, especially in the first half when he made several forward forays.
Ferland Mendy: 6/10
Solid, if not spectacular, from Mendy. The Real Madrid left-back was not troubled much defensively on the night but was up to the task when called upon. The Frenchman did make a few good forward runs but could have been more attack-minded on occasions.
Luka Modric: 8/10
MODRIC WITH HIS LEFT! WHAT A RIP! ? pic.twitter.com/FKLMvUmNnI
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 5, 2022
After withstanding some early pressure from Sociedad, Modric grew into the game and stamped his authority with some nice dribbling, driving runs and neat distribution. He got the assist for Camavinga’s strike with a straightforward pass before scoring with a thumping effort from outside the box to make 2-1. The veteran midfielder also created the chance for Benzema which led to the ruled out goal. He was taken off to a rousing ovation.
Casemiro: 7/10
After a disappointing game against Rayo Vallecano last time out, Casemiro put in a much-improved display during which he was astute defensively, was secure in possession and used the ball judiciously. The Brazilian played a role in the buildup to the fourth goal with a lovely pass to Carvajal out wide.
Eduardo Camavinga: 8/10
Handed a rare starting opportunity due to the injuries to Toni Kroos and Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga made the most of his chance with a fine performance. Full of energy, the Frenchman covered plenty of ground, putting in the hard yards off the ball, while being composed and precise with his use of possession. But the cherry on top was the screamer he scored to equalise for Real Madrid in the first half.
CAMAVINGA, WHAT A STRIKE ? pic.twitter.com/VaOmQM3otU
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 5, 2022
Rodrygo Goes: 6.5/10
The Brazilian did not score or assist a goal on the night, but still added a lot of value to the team with his movement, pressing and work ethic. His runs created space for the other players in and around the attacking third, while his link-up play was sharp and intelligent.
Karim Benzema: 8/10
Burst into life after a quiet start to the game. Benzema put the ball into the back of the net moments after Camavinga had scored, but it was disallowed due to a fractional offside call. He then got the assist for Luka Modric’s goal minutes later, and saw another goal chalked off in the second half. The French forward made no mistake from the penalty spot to make it 3-1. He now has 20 goals and ten assists for the season.
2018-19 La Liga: 21 ⚽⁰2019-20 La Liga: 21 ⚽⁰2020-21 La Liga: 23 ⚽⁰2021-22 La Liga: 20 ⚽ and counting⁰⁰Karim Benzema hits 20 league goals for the fourth straight season ✨ pic.twitter.com/OpshsOfX3H
— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 5, 2022
Vinicius Junior: 7/10
The Player to Watch in our match preview, Vinicius Junior was a lively presence on the left flank and made some good dribbles, but his decision-making, at times, was suspect. It was his run that led to the penalty from which Benzema scored. Not at his best, but impactful nevertheless.
SUBSTITUTES
Marco Asensio: N/A
Asensio came on for Rodrygo in the 77th minute. He scored within moments of stepping onto the pitch.
Dani Ceballos: N/A
Coming on for Modric in the 82nd minute, he continues to get minutes to build up his fitness levels.
Marcelo: N/A
The club captain replaced Vinicius with less than ten minutes left.
Mariano Diaz: N/A
On for Benzema with a little over five minutes remaining.
Lucas Vazquez: N/A
Late substitute for Carvajal.
