La Liga 2016/17, Celta Vigo 1-4 Real Madrid: Player Ratings
Cristiano Ronaldo was again the man of the hour for Real Madrid, as Zinedine Zidane’s men cut down the points tally that they require to lift their first La Liga title since 2012. It now stands at just one, ahead of their weekend trip to face Malaga in Andalusia.
The Portuguese star popped up with a brace, before Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos got in on the goalscoring act, with Celta Vigo only able to reply through a deflected strike from John Guidetti. Iago Aspas was dismissed in the second half for a second yellow card, with the damage having already been done.
It was Los Blancos’ second successive 4-1 victory in the league, with this one leaving them on the cusp of glory. Cristiano Ronaldo is still the apex predator, but his supporting cast but in a solid team performance on the night.
(All players are rated out of 10)
Celta Vigo
Sergio Alvarez – 7/10
Made an excellent save low down to his right to deny a shot from Isco that came through some traffic, and generally was kept very busy by a Real Madrid team that peppered his goal with shots from every angle.
Hugo Mallo – 6/10
Fairly bright when given the license to get forward when the contest was still alive, as the Celta captain enjoyed driving with the ball and giving Marcelo something to think about defensively on the outside of Iago Aspas. A little rash in his own half.
Gustavo Cabral – 6/10
Defended very well for long periods, with his physical style of defending ensuring that Karim Benzema didn’t often have a great deal of space in and around the penalty area. Strong in the air, but was occasionally caught a little off-guard with intricate dribbling.
Facundo Roncaglia – 6/10
Formed a solid partnership at centre-back with Cabral, with it mainly a lack of protection which let the home side down after the hour mark. Wasn’t afraid to step out and make plenty of interceptions.
Jonny – 6/10
Wasn’t afraid to push on and help try and stretch Real Madrid, but he was forced into some quite cynical defending whenever Celta were caught out in possession or on the back foot for long periods.
Daniel Wass – 5.5/10
Didn’t offer a great deal of quality on the ball on the break, but did sting Keylor Navas’ hands with a fierce free-kick effort. Worked very hard to cover and track back, in a deeper role than he is used to, but the Dane was often overrun.
Pablo Hernandez – 5/10
Was solid enough when Celta were on the ball, but the Chilean midfielder made some very poor challenges on the night through any cynicism or frustration. When Real Madrid began to put the game beyond doubt, it appeared to provoke a reaction from him.
Jozabed – 5.5/10
Showed what he can do with his technical ability in flashes, but overall the Spaniard wasn’t able to affect the game all too often due to the ball fleetingly going his way. A lack of options ahead of him could also be a reason for the lack of penetration he could offer from a deeper midfield area.
Pione Sisto – 6/10
Bright and pacey, with his speed and trickery causing a few problems for Danilo in the early stages. Appeared to have the beating of the Brazil international, which forced the visiting midfield to re-adjust to give their right-back more cover. End product wasn’t there, however.
Iago Aspas – 6/10
Sent off rather unfairly, receiving a first yellow card for dissent, before getting a second for supposed simulation – when it appeared the Spain international had been fouled by Sergio Ramos. Went close on a number of occasions and always found room for a shot from tight angles.
John Guidetti – 4.5/10
Did score with the aid of a very wicked deflection, but generally, the Swedish striker was very slow to react in the box, with his touch letting him down and his decision making showing his lack of current confidence. A night to forget for the Celta target man.
Substitutes
Marcelo Diaz – 6/10
Introduced into the centre of Celta’s midfield, and did have the opportunity to show his calmness and composure on the ball with some neat pieces of skill. Kept possession fairly well in his cameo.
Pape Cheikh – 5/10
Given the last 10 minutes after replacing Sisto, with the home side looking to close things up a little and inject some energy into a tiring midfield. Didn’t make an impact.
Claudio Beauvue – 5/10
Given the last five minutes or so at Balaidos, but didn’t have time to impose himself on proceedings or care out any chances for himself at the head of the attack.