Spain 0-0 Portugal: Player ratings as Cristiano Ronaldo and company struggle | International Friendlies 2021

Spain v Portugal - International Friendly
Spain v Portugal - International Friendly

Portugal

Spain v Portugal - International Friendly
Spain v Portugal - International Friendly

Rui Patricio - 7/10

The Wolves custodian was composed in front of goal. Often it can be difficult to maintain your level-headedness when the opposition are sending wave after wave of attacks, but Patricio did not blink. The veteran also made a good low diving save from Morata.

Nelson Semedo - 8/10

It seemed like Nelson Semedo might be in for a long night. However, the full-back excelled as the game progressed. While he was restricted to his own half for the majority of the first half, Semedo managed to break free in the second forty-five. In addition to keeping Sarabia quiet, he also produced an excellent tackle to prevent Morata from getting a shot away after the interval.

Pepe - 7/10

The veteran defender was a relatively calming influence at the heart of the defense for Portugal. Pepe seemed to relish the challenge early on and, apart from one instance where he was bullied off the ball by Marcos Llorente at the byline, he looked solid. Withdrawn early, possibly to keep him fresh ahead of the Euros.

Jose Fonte - 6/10

Despite his remarkable triumph with Lille, Jose Fonte looked a bit rusty at the back on the night. The defender found the back of the net from a set-piece but was adjudged to have fouled his marker in the build-up. Even though he ended up keeping Spain at bay, Fonte did not look confident at all.

Raphael Guerreiro - 7/10

The full-back would have ideally wanted more involvement going forward, but it was far from the same. Raphael Guerreiro was forced to sit back in order to try and contain the threat of Ferran Torres and Marcos Llorente, who pushed forward consistently and overlapped on a few occasions. Made a few good tackles.

Sergio Oliveira - 6/10

Forced to work tirelessly after being tasked with the duty of tracking the runs made by Fabian Ruiz. As such, Sergio Oliveira could not get on the ball as often as he would have liked to try and express himself. There can't be any questions about his commitment though.

Danilo Pereira - 6/10

The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder sat in front of the back-four to act as the screen in midfield. Often, Danilo Pereira also dropped in between the centre-backs to try and deal with the threat offered by Spain. It helped Portugal as suggested by his permanent switch to centre-back after Pepe was withdrawn before the hour mark.

Renato Sanches - 7/10

Looked lively with some of his driving runs from midfield. Although Renato Sanches took some time to settle down, the 23-year-old was determined to try and take the game to Spain. Unfortunately, he was left with too little support to try and spring a surprise.

Diogo Jota - 5/10

The Liverpool winger was nowhere near his usual self. Diogo Jota cut a frustrated figure throughout his involvement and committed a few niggly fouls. The 24-year-old had a glorious chance in the second half when Cristiano Ronaldo planted a cross on his head but he could only force a corner after a deflection off Marcos Llorente.

Cristiano Ronaldo - 6/10

Spain v Portugal - International Friendly
Spain v Portugal - International Friendly

Not much he could've done when Spain were rampant and dominated possession in the first half. Produced an excellent cross for Jota from the byline in the second half and saw his header fail to find the back of the net. Cristiano Ronaldo has set unbelievable standards over the years and games like these prove he is still only human.

Joao Felix - 4/10

The Atletico Madrid star was deployed centrally at the start and struggled to become the focal point in attack. Obviously, the fact that Spain kept the ball so well did not suit Joao Felix, but he was peripheral in terms of involvement to say the least. Hooked at half-time, he would have no complaints either.


Substitutes (Portugal)

Pedro Goncalves - 6/10

The winger came on for his debut at half-time and produced an excellent flick to send Jota through on goal with his first touch. Much better compared to Joao Felix, should probably get another opportunity soon.

William Carvalho - 5/10

The 29-year-old replaced Pepe in the 59th minute but did not help improve Portugal substantially. William Carvalho was his usual self of sitting back and trying to provide balance to the side by being the anchor in midfield.

Bruno Fernandes - 6/10

Provided some late creativity after replacing Sergio Oliveira before the hour mark. The set-piece delivery to Ronaldo was one of three clear-cut chances made by Bruno Fernandes, but to no avail in the end.

Joao Palhinha - N/A

Left with too little time to make a big impact after replacing Renato Sanches in the 70th minute.

Rafa Silva - N/A

Came on for Diogo Jota in the 70th minute.

Nuno Mendes - N/A

Replaced Raphael Guerreiro in the 81st minute.

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