Vinicius Junior gets an 8 but Real Madrid's stars all flop in loss to Real Sociedad

Aditya Devavrat 00:22 07/01/2019
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Real Madrid's players disappointed again against Real Sociedad.

    Real Madrid slumped to another defeat on Sunday as they were beaten at home 2-0 by Real Sociedad, making it a start of one point from two games in 2019.

    They’ve now lost as many La Liga games this season, in 18 fixtures, as they did during all of last season – and that was a poor campaign to begin with. Coach Santiago Solari has to be looking over his shoulder and wondering if a sacking is looming.

    Here’s a look at how the players rated.

    STARTING XI

    Thibaut Courtois 7 – When he was actually given a chance to make a save, Courtois did well. His team-mates continue to let him down, allowing easy goals to be conceded.

    Dani Carvajal 6 – Solid in defence but his attacking output was below par, with his crossing and passing in the final third not up to the mark.

    Raphael Varane 6 – Caught out by a counter-attack for Sociedad’s second goal, but that was hardly his fault as Madrid poured bodies forward in search of an equaliser. Solid in the air and was never beaten by his man.

    Sergio Ramos 6 – He will wonder how he failed to score, presented with a rebound from roughly eight yards out with the goalkeeper on the ground. Solid defensively, but that moment will haunt him.

    Marcelo 5 – Left his defence exposed in the move which led to Sociedad’s early penalty, as his defensive liability continues to be an issue. As has happened often this season, failed to make up for it with his usual attacking brilliance.

    Toni Kroos 5 – Celebrated his birthday a couple of days ago but this was not a happy day for the German, whose set-piece deliveries weren’t good enough and whose passes never threatened to unlock the Sociedad defence.

    Casemiro 5 – An atypically clumsy challenge to give away an early penalty which meant Madrid were always playing catch-up. But his impact was felt most when he was substituted, as his absence left Madrid far too open.

    Luka Modric 5 – Forced Geronimo Rulli into one good save but otherwise barely had an impact, with his passing lacking its usual incisiveness.

    Lucas Vazquez 4 – Hit the woodwork early on, but made Madrid’s job much harder with his sending off. He’s a Santiago Solari favourite but it’s hard to see how Vazquez started ahead of Isco on Sunday.

    Karim Benzema 5 – Another poor performance from the striker. Benzema offered little in attack, with his famed movement seemingly deserting him.

    Vinicius Junior 8 – Madrid’s best player. Should have had a penalty, and had one of those days in front of goal where nothing would go in. But it’s remarkable how Madrid’s established stars are constantly looking to an 18-year-old to produce some magic.

    SUBSTITUTES

    Isco 7 – He’s had some average displays but it’s still baffling how he’s not a regular in the starting XI. Madrid’s attack had a new dimension after he came on, with his passing and dribbling hurting the Sociedad defence.

    Sergio Reguilon 7 –  Looked a better left-back than the man he replaced, Marcelo, though in fairness he was hardly tested defensively as he kept looking to get forward and give Madrid numbers in attack.

    Dani Ceballos 6 – His introduction served to underline the lack of options at Madrid at the moment. Chasing a game and there were no attacking players left on the bench after the first two substitutions, with Ceballos thrown on in desperation.

    Recommended