Blancos Drop Points: Espanyol Match Ratings

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Post on Feb 02, 2025

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Blancos Drop Points: Espanyol Match Ratings – A Disappointing Draw

Real Madrid's unexpected 1-1 draw against Espanyol left fans and pundits alike scratching their heads. While a point is still a point, the performance lacked the usual Blancos dominance, raising concerns about form and potential weaknesses. Let's delve into the individual player ratings and analyze what went wrong at the RCDE Stadium.

A Closer Look at the Individual Performances

This match highlighted the inconsistency within the Real Madrid squad, with some players shining brightly while others struggled to find their rhythm. Here's a breakdown of our match ratings:

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois (7/10)

Courtois, as always, was a rock between the sticks. He made several crucial saves, preventing a more embarrassing scoreline for the Blancos. His commanding presence in the box was a constant reassuring factor for the defense. While he couldn't prevent the Espanyol goal, his performance was largely commendable.

Defenders:

• Dani Carvajal (6.5/10): A solid, if unspectacular, performance from Carvajal. He provided decent defensive support and contributed to the attacking phase when possible, although his final ball could have been more precise.
• Éder Militão (6/10): Militão had a few shaky moments, particularly in the build-up to Espanyol's goal. He needs to improve his concentration and decision-making in crucial moments.
• David Alaba (7/10): Alaba continues to be a key figure in the Real Madrid defense. His composure and ability to read the game were essential in neutralizing Espanyol's attacks.
• Ferland Mendy (6/10): Mendy's attacking contributions were limited, and he needs to be more incisive in the final third. Defensively, he was adequate but lacked the dynamism he's shown in previous matches.

Midfielders:

• Luka Modrić (7.5/10): Even at his age, Modrić remains a maestro. His vision, passing range, and ability to dictate the tempo were crucial in spells of the game. His performance was a bright spot in an otherwise lackluster midfield display.
• Toni Kroos (6.5/10): Kroos was his usual reliable self, dictating the flow of the game with his precise passing. However, he lacked the cutting edge that could have unlocked Espanyol's defense more often.
• Aurelien Tchouaméni (6/10): Tchouaméni's performance was a mixed bag. While he showed glimpses of his talent, he needs to be more consistent in his defensive work and decision-making.

Forwards:

• Vinícius Júnior (7/10): Vinicius was a constant threat down the left flank. Although he didn't find the back of the net, his dribbling skills and pace caused Espanyol problems throughout the match.
• Karim Benzema (6/10): Benzema’s performance was underwhelming. While he scored the goal, he lacked his usual sharpness and influence on the game. He looked visibly frustrated at times.
• Federico Valverde (6.5/10): Valverde provided energy and intensity, offering a more direct attacking approach. However, his final product was lacking precision.

What Went Wrong for Real Madrid?

The draw against Espanyol highlighted several issues:

• Lack of clinical finishing: Real Madrid created chances but failed to convert them with enough consistency.
• Midfield dominance lacking: The midfield struggled to control the tempo of the game as effectively as usual.
• Defensive lapses: While not catastrophic, a few defensive errors allowed Espanyol to create opportunities.

Looking Ahead

The draw against Espanyol serves as a wake-up call for Real Madrid. Addressing the issues highlighted above is crucial to maintaining their title challenge. The focus should be on improving clinical finishing, maintaining midfield control, and tightening up defensively. The next few matches will be critical in determining their response to this setback.

Keywords: Real Madrid, Espanyol, Match Ratings, La Liga, Blancos, Courtois, Benzema, Vinicius Junior, Modric, Kroos, Match Report, Football, Soccer, Analysis, Player Ratings, RCDE Stadium, Draw.