La Liga 2017/18: Real Madrid 0-1 Villareal - Player ratings

Villareal

Gonzalez challenges Ronaldo for the ball

Sergio Asenjo - 8.5/10

He had quite an amazing outing just, like his opposite number. Quick off his lines, it was he who stood firm and almost stopped Real from an easy victory. Pulled a couple of saves including a number of fantastic stops off Ronaldo and Marcelo.

Mario Gaspar - 7/10

He struggled a bit initially but once the game wore on, he got more and more comfortable on the right side. He was solid thereon and often ventured forward to exploit spaces left behind by Marcelo.

Daniele Bonera - 8/10

A good performance from the Cherries defender as he marshalled the defence superbly. He defended with guile and kept his side in the game despite barrages of attack from Real Madrid.

Alvaro Gonzalez - 8/10

Gonzalez put in a good performance as he was constantly in the way of Ronaldo and company, keeping them at bay for the majority of the game. He made a string of important interceptions and tackles to keep Villareal in the game.

Bacca held up play quite well to bring his teammates into play

Jaume Costa - 6.5/10

Defending the left flank for Villareal, he put in a fairly decent performance. He was troubled a bit whenever Carvajal overlapped, and in general, got the better of him. Attacking, he showed the willingness to join the attack but lacked the end product.

Dani Raba - 5.5/10

Raba only lasted one half on the pitch as he was taken off for Denis Cherychev at the halftime mark. While he was on the pitch, he was mostly seen in his own half covering and tracking the runs of Marcelo.

Manu Trigueros - 7/10

The midfielder was combative and very efficient in possession. He was intelligent in distribution and defended resolutely. Though this was not his best outing, he surely did his job reasonably well.

Rodri - 7.5/10

Rodri Hernandez had one job on the field, i.e., to disrupt Real's attacking game in the middle of the park. He did his job fairly well as he did put in a fine defensive shift despite the gulf in quality.

Samu Castillejo - 6/10

A major threat to Madrid's defence throughout the time he was on the pitch. He ran himself to the ground, such was his work rate as he floated all over the pitch, winning balls and initiating the attack.

Pablo Fornals - 7/10

Very much like his attacking teammates, he was a bit anonymous in the first half. However, in the second half, he was absolutely sensational as he hit the target with a peach of a strike. He troubled Madrid's centre-backs quite a bit and looked sharp and involved.

Carlos Bacca: 6/10

Bacca constantly troubled the Madrid backline with his physicality, pace, and hold-up play for his teammates. However, he did lack sharpness in the opposition’s penalty box.

Substitutes

Denis Cheryshev - 7/10

Cheryshev made quite a few surging runs throughout the match and troubled his former team’s defence. His defensive duty was even more impressive as he covered his flank well and did not give Madrid’s attackers much joy.

Enes Unal - 6.5/10

Brought on for Bacca, it was his run off the ball that opened up Madrid's defence. However, he should have scored from the chances that he got.

Antonio Rukavina - 5.5/10

He was brought on late in the game for Castillejo. He stuck to his job and was disciplined.