APOEL FC 0-6 Real Madrid: Player Ratings

Real Madrid

Kiko Casilla: 6.5/10

Real’s 2nd choice keeper did what was asked of him tonight. APOEL threatened Real’s goal a bit but when they seriously attacked, Casilla was there as an immovable object to thwart. The 31-year-old made 3 saves and claimed 1 cross in a relatively comfortable night.

Dani Carvajal: 6.5/10

It’s clear to everyone that the Spanish full-back brings so much to Real’s attacking play. Not just in aggression, but also in penetration. The Spaniard completed 2 take-ons, won 4 tackles, won 1 aerial and completed 55 passes.

Raphael Varane: 6.5/10

The Frenchman didn’t find himself tested at all game. He covered space well, tracked the runs of Pote and ensured he maintained Real’s high defensive line. This game basically helped ease the youngster back into fitness following his torrid time with injuries in recent months.

Nacho Fernandez: 7/10

The versatile defender pounced onto a Varane header to seal the game for Real Madrid in the 40th minute.

At the start of the season, many felt the presence of Nacho Fernandez as Real’s 4th choice centre-back would be a hindrance, but he has truly become a gem for Zinedine Zidane. Nacho won 3 aerials, won 2 tackles, completed 93% of his passes and scored 1 goal. It’s almost as if Sergio Ramos didn’t go anywhere.

Marcelo: 6/10

For his relatively high standards, Marcelo had a quiet game. Even with all the attacking freedom APOEL afforded him, Marcelo was unable to really affect the game.

Lucas Vasquez: 6/10

The hard-working 28-year-old ran tirelessly all game without really doing anything. If anything, he was an ever-present passing option on the counter-attack, that was it. He’ll be disappointed that he couldn’t register an assist or goal against such poor opposition.

Luka Modric: 7/10

A stunning volley in the 23rd minute from the Croatian gave his team a crucial lead in Cyprus. Besides scoring a worldie of a goal, Modric also ran the game with his deaf touches, silky turns and defence-splitting passes. The Croatian completed 90% of his passes and to be fair, we wouldn't expect anything less from the little magician.

Toni Kroos: 7/10

Toni Kroos may not be the quickest or strongest, but he’s technically above most players on the planet. His ability to spot a pass is second to none, and it was through his vision that Real Madrid created most of their chances. He initiated nearly every counter-attack, created 2 chances whilst completing 50 passes.

Marco Asensio: 6/10

The young Spaniard was lively on the ball, but just like Vasquez, he failed to make any meaningful contribution to the game. He did create 2 chances and complete 69 passes, but couldn’t find his shooting boots.

Karim Benzema: 8/10

The Frenchman scored his 2nd goal of the season, as he latched onto a Toni Kroos through ball to put Real 2-0 up in the 38th minute. Benzema doubled his tally just before half-time after being expertly set up by Cristiano Ronaldo. He also returned the favour, later on, by assisting Ronaldo. Goal drought? What goal drought?

Cristiano Ronaldo: 8.5/10

The best player in the world scored his 7th goal of the UEFA Champions League campaign with a beautiful header in the 49th minute. But he didn’t feel like stopping there, he went on goal to score another and assist one more.

The 32-year-old has now become the first man to score 18 UCL goals in a calendar year. The record-breaking superstar was simply stunning tonight and Madridstas will be praying he can translate his unrivalled UCL form into La Liga on the weekend.

Substitutes:

Theo Hernandez: 5.5/10

Hernandez tried his best to add to Real’s substantial goal tally. His energy was infectious but didn’t translate into anything substantial.

Dani Ceballos: 6.5/10

The 21-year-old came on for Toni Kroos and did his best to replicate the German’s exceptional passing range. In just 31 minutes on the pitch, he racked up 40 passes with an impressive 89% passing accuracy.

Borja Mayoral: 5.5/10

Mayoral completed 12 passes, created 1 chance and attempted 1 shot on goal, but didn't have enough time to affect the game any more than he did.