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#3 Karim Benzema's absence leaves Real Madrid toothless in attack
Karim Benzema has been the driving force for Real Madrid this season but was ruled out of the trip to Real Valladolid with a knock.
This leaves Zinedine Zidane sweating on the Frenchman's fitness ahead of the crucial Champions League fixture with Atalanta.
Meanwhile, Mariano Diaz was handed a rare start in Benzema's absence but the former Lyon man failed to make the most of it.
The 27-year-old was practically a specatator for most of the game and did not offer much before his substitution in the 66th minute.
Vinicius Junior and Marco Asensio did not do too much either side of him, leaving Jordi Masip relatively untested for most of the game.
This disjoined performance in attack once again highlighted why Karim Benzema is such an important asset to Real Madrid.
Fans of the club will be hoping he gets back to full fitness as soon as possible.
#2 Impressive Thibaut Courtois steps up when called upon
Real Madrid's lack of attacking bite has meant that their defense has had to play a crucial role in the last two years.
In the absence of Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal, this put extra pressure on Thibaut Courtois to step up and the Belgium international did so with a stunning display between the sticks.
He was called into action as early as the 7th minute when he had to produce a stunning double save to keep out Orellana and Janko.
There was another reflex save to keep out Orellana from point-blank range 10 minutes into the second half.
In reality, both men should not have given Courtois a chance to make a save, although the 27-year-old deserves praise for stepping up when it mattered.
In total, the Real Madrid keeper made five saves in the match which proved to be the difference between securing the victory and dropping points.
#1 Casemiro steps up to the plate for Real Madrid once again
Casemiro is primarily known for his defensive solidity and it is in his position as an enforcer that he has made a name for himself with Real Madrid.
This season, however, has seen the Brazil international chip in with crucial goals and this proved to be the case against Real Valladolid.
The former Porto man was guilty of missing two glit-edged headers in both halves but it proved to be a case of third time lucky for Casemiro.
He has shown a particular penchant for headers and this was his 5th La Liga goal of the season for the capital side.
This makes Casemiro Real Madrid's second highest goalscorer in the league, further highlighting his importance to the club at both ends.
