Athletic Bilbao v Real Madrid player ratings - Ronaldo scores a 7, Isco gets a 5

Andy West 02:26 03/12/2017
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  • Real Madrid failed to take advantage of Barcelona‘s draw against Celta Vigo as they were held to a goalless stalemate away to Athletic Bilbao.

    Cristiano Ronaldo and Co were left frustrated as they remain eight points behind the La Liga leaders.

    Here, we rate the players from both sides.

    ATHLETIC BILBAO

    Kepa: The reported Real transfer target further enhanced his growing reputation with a confident and assured display, showing safe handling from crosses and making some decent saves look easy. 7

    De Marcos: Had his hands full with Marcelo and was rightly booked for scything down the Brazilian. Struggled to make an attacking impact and was substituted with 30 minutes remaining. 6

    Nunez: More or less faultless display in the heart of Athletic’s defence. Made a key block from Varane’s goal-bound header and was in the right place at the right time to deal with danger on countless occasions. 9

    Etxeita: Booked for a wild lunge on Modric but was otherwise excellent, forming a good partnership with Nunez and repeatedly clearing his lines with authority. 7

    Balenziaga: Like the rest of his team, the experienced left-back was determined and played with great intensity. Couldn’t get forward to much effect. 6

    Rico: Worked tirelessly to cover an immense amount of ground in the centre of midfield, carrying out a lot of excellent work defensively as well as using the ball with calm composure. Understated unsung hero. 8

    Iturraspe: Tidy and disciplined until he was forced off injured near the end of the first half. 6

    Williams: Showed his irritating habit of running down blind alleys but also posed a regular threat down the right. Fired a low angled shot across goal to force a good save from Navas and consistently troubled Marcelo. 7

    Garcia: A typically scrappy performance, owing more to brawn than brain or technique as he battled for every loose ball. Perhaps should have scored in the first half when he mis-hit a close-range shot from a free-kick. 6

    Susaeta: Busy and involved at both ends of the field. Delivered some dangerous balls into the box, and popped up to try a close-range chip which Navas pushed away. 7

    Aduriz: Combative and niggly display, clearly relishing his physical battle with Ramos who was eventually sent off after they tangled. Came close with a glancing header in the first half and a low drive early in the second. 6

    Cristiano Ronaldo competes with Xavier Etxeita (R)

    Cristiano Ronaldo competes with Xavier Etxeita (R)

    SUBSTITUTES

    San Jose: Came on just before the break and battled hard in the defensive central midfield position, helping snuff out several dangerous Madrid attacks. 7

    Lekue: Introduced at right-back and initially struggled to get into the pace of the game, but gradually settled. 6

    Cordoba: A late introduction for Williams and had little impact. N/A

    REAL MADRID

    Navas: Back in action after missing the last six league games and did a great job, making two good saves in the first half, pushing aside Aduriz’s header and diving full stretch to deny Williams. Also saved well from Aduriz early in the second. 8

    Carvajal: Ventured forward regularly but lacked accuracy with his final ball. Caught badly out of position for Aduriz’s chance early in the second half but otherwise solid in defence. Booked near the end to earn a suspension. 6

    Varane: Stood up to the aggression of Aduriz and Garcia to marshal the defence well, rarely looked troubled. Had a decent headed chance near the end of the first half but it lacked power. 8

    Ramos: The masked man was controversially sent off for two yellow cards from aerial clashes, firstly with Garcia and then with Aduriz. In between he defended with his usual determination and rigour. 7

    Marcelo: Generally sharper than he has been in recent weeks and always an attacking threat, but regularly struggled at the back against Williams. Ended up as an extra forward down the left. 6

    Modric: Couldn’t exert his usual influence for the first hour, and although he became more of a presence as the game wore on he still couldn’t control the tempo of a frantic game as he would have liked. 6

    Casemiro: A frustrating evening for the Brazilian in the fiercely contested midfield battleground. Occasionally looked harried and received a booking for a challenge on Aduriz which will see him also miss next weekend’s meeting with Sevilla. 6

    Isco: Delivered a good early cross for Benzema’s shot against the post but proceeded to deliver one of his weaker performances, conceding possession cheaply too often and lacking attacking penetration. Subbed near the end. 5

    Kroos: The best of the visiting midfield. Prodded and probed with a clever range of passing and posed a regular goal threat. Had a low long-range shot saved and fired a left-footed strike wide from the edge of the box. 7

    Benzema: An active performance in the first half, perhaps the best 45 minutes he’s produced this season. Hit the post early on with a left-footed strike. Faded after the break and was substituted. 6

    Ronaldo: The game’s biggest goal threat. Sent a free-kick high and wide, had a long-range fizzer saved, dragged a good chance well wide with his left foot and crashed a left-footed volley crashing against the base of the post. 7

    Isco (C) surrounded by Athletic players

    Isco (C) surrounded by Athletic players

    SUBSTITUTES

    Kovacic: Came on for Isco but had little impact. N/A

    Mayoral: Appeared for Benzema for the first ten minutes and worked hard without real impact. N/A

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