Real Madrid got back into winning ways with a much-needed 2-0 victory over Roma to effectively secure top spot.
How did the players rate?
ROMA 4-2-3-1
Olsen 6. A shocking kick out helped gift the opener to Bale, but he made a few decent stops to prevent a heavier loss.
Florenzi 6. Attempted to set a captain’s example with some determined attacking play, but struggled defensively at times.
Manolas 6. Attempted to hold together the back line for the hosts and was concise and constructive in possession.
Fazio 4. An inexplicable back header straight to Bale handed Real the opener, and he was regularly troubled by Benzema’s movement.
Kolarov 5. Fizzed a long-range bomb inches wide and was classy in possession, but found it hard to contain Vazquez’s directness.
Nzonzi 4. Played conservatively, lacking his usual powerful impact before being replaced, clearly disgruntled, midway through the second half.
Cristante 6. The most active of Roma’s midfielders, getting on the ball and threatening to unlock the visiting defence.
Under 5. Showed some skill down the right and delivered good set pieces, but guilty of the miss of the season to derail Roma.
What a shocking miss from Cengiz Ünder to potentially put Roma up 1-0 on Real Madrid before the HT whistle 🤯 pic.twitter.com/5Yi8KBmQEq
— DMV Soccer (@DMVSoccer96) November 27, 2018
Zaniolo 5. Largely passed by as Roma sought to attack down the flanks, but did neatly tee up Under’s shocking miss.
El Sharaawy 6. Made a few sharp early bursts down the left before being forced off by injury midway through the first half.
Schick 5. Replaced Edin Dzeko but lacked his presence. Scuffed a decent chance straight at Courtois and had another effort blocked.
SUBSTITUTES
Kluivert 5. Had a good chance almost immediately after being introduced but blazed it too high. Failed to catch the eye.
Coric 5. Came on for Nzonzi but failed to improve Roma in the centre of the pitch, struggling to assert himself.
Karsdorp 5. Entered the fray midway through the second half but was practically anonymous, offering very little.
REAL MADRID 4-3-3
Courtois 6. Made a decent low stop from Kluivert’s second half driven effort, and was otherwise well protected by his defence.
Carvajal 7. Made a heroic block to deny a certain goal and was generally strong, but lucky to escape conceding after a sloppy error.
Varane 7. A key early clearance inside the box precluded a solid performance, much improved from his recent form.
Ramos 7. Defended with determination and rigour, anticipating Roma’s attacks well and diverting several crosses.
Marcelo 6. Caught out of position a few times but always looking to contribute coming forward…pretty much standard.
Modric 6. Struggled in the first half when Roma were on top, but bossed the game after Madrid took over in the second period.
Llorente 6. Introduced to add some bite into midfield and fulfilled his task well enough, but needs more confidence on the ball.
Kroos 6. A so-so performance from a player who clearly possesses class but looks to be going through the motions at times.
Vazquez 7. Surprise selection on the right wing and provided a spark, popping up inside the box for a simple finish for the second goal.
Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos (L) celebrates with Lucas Vazquez
Benzema 7. Some nice approach play and was unselfish to tee up Vazquez for an easy finish rather than going for goal himself.
Bale 7. Took the opener well and nearly scored again just after. Also delivered the cross for Vazquez’s goal.
SUBSTITUTES
Mariano 5. Replaced Vazquez for the final 15 minutes but barely had any chance to shine, kept very quiet.
Valverde 6. Given a rare outing in the centre of midfield to rest Modric and he looked accomplished enough.
Asensio 7. Came on for Bale inside the final ten minutes and enjoyed the wide open spaces left by Roma, regularly threatening.
