Villarreal 2-2 Real Madrid: Player ratings as Gareth Bale is hero and villain

Andres Fernandez 7: Didn’t look comfortable coming for crosses, but made an excellent double-save from Kroos at 1-1 and another good stop from Modric.

Mario Gaspar 6: Had his work cut out defending against Mendy and Bale but did make a key goalmouth intervention to deny the latter.

Pau Torres 6: The young defender held his own in the biggest game of his career so far, but perhaps could have blocked Bale’s second goal.

Raul Albiol 7: Made several important clearances against his former team, dominating in the air and showing good anticipation.

Xavi Quintilla 6: Solid and steady in the left back spot, unable to get forward too often. Beaten by Bale for Madrid’s second goal.

Samuel Chukwueze 6: Dangerous down the right in the early stages but faded and was replaced early in the second half.

Santi Cazorla 6: Weaved passing patterns during Villarreal’s fast start but became imprecise as Madrid took over and was subbed off.

Vicente Iborra 7: Worked hard to anchor the home team midfield, tirelessly attempting to protect the back four and always keeping his composure.

Moi Gomez 7: Showed some clever touches drifting inside from the left, troubled Mendy after switching to the right and got into position to score the second.

Karl Toko Ekambi 7: Threatened with his movement and ability, having a hand in the opener, but was sacrificed when Villarreal switched to 4-5-1 after an hour.

Gerard Moreno 7: Thrashed home the opener after latching onto a loose ball, and had another shot saved in the build up to the second goal. Linked play well.

SUBSTITUTES

Javi Ontiveros 6: Recent signing from Malaga came on for his home debut. Drove the ball across goal to assist the second goal but was often careless in possession.

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa 6: Brought on to add more presence in midfield and did that job well, helping his team restore a sense of order.

Carlos Bacca 6: An attacking sub just before his team retook the lead, he worked hard in the latter stages to stretch the Madrid defence.

REAL MADRID (4-4-2)

Thibaut Courtois 6: Unlucky with both goals, making saves but seeing the rebounds converted. Had little else to do but didn’t convince with his distribution.

Dani Carvajal 6: Surged forward to tee up Bale’s leveller with an unselfish pass but was otherwise largely subdued, concentrating on defence.

Raphael Varane 5: Sometimes found himself dragged out of position by the home team’s slick forward play, and never really looked comfortable.

Sergio Ramos 6: Gave away possession horribly for Villarreal’s opening goal. Otherwise a powerful performance and came close to scoring with a header.

Ferland Mendy 6: A mixed display on his first competitive outing. Grew in confidence after an unsteady start but was vulnerable defensively.

Lucas Vazquez 6: Elevated into the starting eleven and had some bright moments, firing a clear first half opening into the side-netting.

Casemiro 6: Initially couldn’t settle against Villarreal’s swift ball movement. Improved after that but headed a great chance wide.

Toni Kroos 7: Overwhelmed in the opening minutes but grew into the game and helped his team take control. Came close with two low shots.

Gareth Bale 8: Netted two equalisers, the first from point blank range and the second from the edge of the box, but spoiled his excellent night with a late red card.

Luka Jovic 5: Partnered Benzema up front in his full debut and fired a decent chance wide in the first half, but often looked lost and was replaced.

Karim Benzema 6: Unlucky not to score with a 20-yard strike against the post. Occasionally lacking support but produced some classy touches.

SUBSTITUTES

Luka Modric 6: Came on midway through the second half and played a big role in setting up the second equaliser. Added fluency to his team.

Vinicius Junior 4: Came on for the final stages as his team chased a second equaliser but looked out of his depth. Disappointing lack of impact.

Federico Valverde N/A: Introduced for an injection of energy in the final ten minutes but didn’t really establish himself in the action.