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In the last match of a crowded Saturday fixture list, Athletic Bilbao hosted Real Madrid. The European champions were off to a perfect start in LaLiga, and were looking to extend their dominance.
Casemiro was rested keeping in mind the UCL fixture, and Courtois donned the goalkeeper gloves for the second match in a row. The match was evenly poised for the first 30 minutes with both teams showing some great intensity.
Athletic Bilbao penetrated the Madrid defence in the 32nd minute when Muniain tapped the ball into the net after a good assist from De Marco. The first half ended with Bilbao leading 1-0.
Real Madrid equalised in the second half after a pinpoint cross from Bale. The intensity never went down until the referee blew the whistle. It was one of the most fiercely competed matches of this season so far. Here are the player ratings for the match.
Real Madrid
#1 Thibaut Courtois – 7.5
Looked a bit shaky in the beginning, but was comfortable while saving a few powerful shots in the end.
#2 Sergio Ramos – 7.5
Another near perfect outing for him, the only issue being the huge amount of space he leaves behind while attacking.
#3 Raphael Varane – 8
Top class stuff from the French man. He ran at break-neck speed whenever there was a threat, and was very tough to go past.
#4 Marcelo – 8
Showed once again why there is no left back in the world that can match him as far as ball control and skills are concerned.
#5 Dani Carvajal - 7
Decent outing for him. He is slowly becoming very solid while defending.
#6 Dani Ceballos - 7.5
He was outstanding throughout the first half, with great interceptions and passing.
#7 Toni Kroos - 7
Perfect outing for him. Did not do much wrong.
#8 Luka Modric - 7.5
Kept creating chances throughout, with cleverly executed narrow passes.
#9 Marco Asensio - 7.5
He should have scored a goal, but was still very good with his pace and dribbles.
#10 Gareth Bale - 7.5
His wrong footed assist to Isco was one of the best of the season, and he was solid while attacking.
#11 Karim Benzema - 6
Rarely got anything to do in this match.
Substitutes
#1 Lucas Vasquez – 7
Was effective during the short duration for which he played.
#2 Casemiro – 7.5
Outstanding in defence and made a few breathtaking runs.
#3 Isco - 8
As usual he was everywhere, and scored Madrid’s only goal.
Athletic Bilbao
#1 Unai Simon – 9
The youngster played like a 20 year old veteran, and displayed maturity that defies his age.
#2 Inigo Martinez – 7.5
Solid in defence and made a few crucial passes.
#3 Yeray Alvarez – 6.5
Crisp while defending but gave the ball away a few times.
#4 Yuri Berchiche – 6.5
Did not play a big role in the proceedings.
#5 De Marcos – 7
Displayed a good amount of intensity while attacking.
#6 Benat – 7.5
Was outstanding with his short passes and patrolled the midfield perfectly
#7 Raul Garcia – 7
Made a few solid passes, but committed a few unnecessary fouls.
#8 Dani García – 7
Displayed good pace while attacking.
#9 Markel Susaeta – 7.5
Looked in good form throughout the game, and made a few key passes to Muniain.
#10 Iker Muniain – 7.5
He was fabulous in the first half with well timed runs and a goal, but slowed down a bit as the match progressed.
#11 Iñaki Williams – 7.5
Another day he might have got 2 goals to his name. His pace was top notch, but finishing could have been better.
Substitutes
#1 Mikel San Jose - 6
Did not have much to do in the game.
#2 Mikel Rico - 6.5
Could not make too much of an impact.
#3 Ander Capa - 7
Displayed good pace while giving counters, but could not get any shots to his name.
