Real Madrid player ratings as Lucas Vazquez grasps another chance

Here, we rate the performance of the visiting players at Estadio Municipal de Butarque:

Kiko Casilla – 7: An eight start in La Liga this term saw him picking the ball out of his net early doors, before later spreading himself to keep out Leganes forward Claudio Beauvue when the score was just 2-1.

Dani Carvajal – 5: A nondescript performance from the Spain right-back as he works his way back to full match fitness.

Raphael Varane – 6: The France centre-back was largely untroubled, as expected. Only worry was when he was beaten to a cross by compatriot Beauvue, but Casilla came to the rescue.

Sergio Ramos – 6: Made history in a usual moment of rough and tumble, the tangle with Nabil El Zhar earning him a La Liga-record 163rd booking of his career.

In the absence of Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, took his opportunity – just about – to score from the penalty spot and make it two from two in La Liga.

Theo Hernandez – 6: Left-back should have shown more conviction for Leganes’ bizarre opener. But he more than made up for this timidity with Madrid’s best tally of seven tackles.

Casemiro – 7: It was hard to believe what you were witnessing. Casemiro, so poor throughout this season, put in an attacking display coach Zinedine Zidane would have been proud of.

Utilised as a box-to-box midfielder rather than holding midfielder, a back heel to Vazquez while being fouled for the opener was worth the price of admission alone. The Brazil international was then on hand to put Madrid in front and give a beautiful one-touch move with Karim Benzema and Vazquez the finish it deserved.

Mateo Kovacic – 7: Was detailed to sit at the base of midfield and allow Casemiro to scamper free. A pass accuracy of 96.7 per cent was by far the best from any starter on the pitch, while he also came up with a joint-Madrid high of three interceptions and a leading eight dribbles.

As the reins were loosened at the end of the match, drove forward to be bundled over by Leganes defender Tito in the penalty box for Ramos’ goal.

Lucas Vazquez – 8: A third-consecutive start in La Liga for the Spain winger brought significant reward. Slotted in the opener from Casemiro’s delicious flick and then returned the favour in a flowing team move for the clincher.

If he can consistently deliver an end product – this was only his third top-flight goal in 22 games this term – then a prominent role at Paris Saint-Germain in next month’s Champions League round-of-16 second leg could be his. Zidane would have noted his six completed tackles was the second best for his side – good news if you are protecting a lead.

Isco – 5: It’s now nine matches since the 25-year-old has delivered an assist. Didn’t seem too interested in ending this dry spell.

Marco Asensio – 6: Looked bright in spells, though looked to be conserving energy for challenges ahead. Almost scored a delightful seventh La Liga goal of the season when he danced through from the right, only to shoot straight at Ivan Cuellar.

Karim Benzema – 5: Played a role in the winner. But this, again, was so far below what is expected from the wearer of Madrid’s hallowed no9 shirt. Contributed just one effort on goal and this was a scuffed header which should have gone in.

SUBS

Gareth Bale N/A: Struck one fierce shot in his cameo from the 76th minute.

Marco Llorente N/A: Late substitute appeared in La Liga for first time since December 9.

Dani Ceballos N/A: Was granted just 10 seconds of action. Didn’t touch ball.