La Liga 2017/18: Real Madrid 2-0 Espanyol; Player Ratings

Espanyol

Pau Lopez - 6.5/10

One of the better Espanyol players, Lopez started off the game with a point-blank save from Isco, and followed it up by a superb block from both Ramos and Ronaldo before the half-hour mark. Even though he conceded two goals, he could've hardly being blamed for them. If not for his presence between the posts, Espanyol might've have gone down to 4-5 goals so fair play to the alert shot-stopper

Sergio Sanchez - 5/10

Vital clearances from the fullback throughout the game kept the spirit of his side strong, however, Sanchez was complacent at times against the formidable duo of Isco, and at times, Nacho, with the former often dragging him out of position. With frustration creeping in, he got himself into the book for tripping Asensio in a silly manner before being subbed off with a knock. Forgetful night for the veteran defender.

David Lopez - 6/10

After defending resolutely for half an hour, the visitor's captain failed to track Isco for the first goal. At times, set-pieces proved tricky due to an overrun box but he kept his cool to ward off the danger men. He was superb in tackling sometimes, especially denying Ronaldo within the box, much later on in the game.

Mario Hermoso - 5.5/10

Hermoso was solid in his position for the majority of the game, intercepting the neat one-touch Madrid play. Even as he cleared the ball, high and often far, he was made to run circles around a deadly combination of Asensio and Isco, so much so that he was completely found out for the second goal. The zenith of his game came with out-muscling Ronaldo later on in the game, with his side already 2 goals down. More to learn for the youngster.

Aaron Martin- 5.5/10

Aaron was a hopeful light in the rare Espanyol attacks early on in the second half, sending in delightful crosses which led to a scrambling Madrid line. As he struggled to keep up to Asensio at times, he lost out on key duels, leading to goal-scoring chances for the opposition. A rash pull-back on Isco earned him a booking.

Marc Roco - 5/10

Roco stayed on the back foot for most of the time he was on the pitch, contributing in clearing the ball more than holding onto it. As the Madrid side took hold of the game, he was on his knees, trying to keep up with Isco. He got subbed off at halftime without having any greater effect.

Javi Fuego - 5/10

Most withdrawn and unable to contain the Madrid midfielders, Fuego to his credit, formed a solid partnership with Darder in a make-shift defensive back-six. Without the ball to play with, he could barely get involved in the game much, except for the one-odd long pass,

Sergi Darder - 6/10

Though largely invisible in the first half, Darder was the backbone of the resurgence at the restart, with his long balls often finding the width that the Periquitos desperately needed to exploit. Though his contribution rarely resulted in any positive outcomes, his highlight for the day also involved being in a defensive position to deny Cristiano Ronaldo.

Jose Manuel Jurado - 4.5/10

Being overrun in midfield didn't help Jurado to get into the game and he played the Houdini for the 45 minutes he was on the field. Subbed off at halftime for a tactical change.

Leo Baptistao - 5.5/10

Even though Baptistao worked his worth all over the pitch, it barely amounted to anything. He almost set up the equalizer but couldn't link up to complete the move in the aftermath of the goal. His passing was just off the mark, as he rued two good chances to develop into potential saves out of Navas. Threatening but overall wasteful from the attacker.

Gerard Moreno - 6.5/10

After a lonesome first half due to a dominating home side, Moreno only had one tight chance to test Navas late in the first half which he didn't manage to tuck away. As metal is to magnets, Moreno immediately followed it up by striking the post, much to his side's chagrin. As the game restarted he remained one of the brightest attackers, with his slick passing and movement.

SUBSTITUTES

Marc Navarro - 7.5/10

Came on at halftime and warmed the gloves of Navas almost immediately with a decent shot. His effect was notable, as he linked up well with Baptistao in a turnaround manner. Even as he tackled to great effect, there was little he could do as Madrid ran riot with the lethal counter-attack in the second goal.

Sergio Garcia - 7.5/10

Came on at half-time to claw his side back into the game. Garcia put in a full shift, getting involved in all attacks and putting in inviting crosses. Too little, too late to help his side in any way.

Esteban Granero - 5.5/10

Granero came on with 20 minutes to go but to little effect. his set-piece delivery was off and a return to his former club side was hardly a dream run from his perspective.