Player Ratings : Real Madrid vs Real Betis

Rafael Benitez’s first home game as Real Madrid coach went according to plans, as the Blancos beat Real Betis 5-0. Madrid took the lead in just the 2nd minute of the game when James found Bale with an inch-perfect cross, who headed the ball past Adan.

Madrid doubled their advantage with the help of a wonder free kick from James, who beat Adan purely on pace. Benzema scored the 3rd with his head of a Bale cross, and James made it 4-0 with a wonderful overhead kick. Bale rounded up a five star performance with a stunning long range strike to make it 5-0.

Keylor Navas – 7.5

Was mostly composed throughout the match, but made a wonderful save in the first half, off the legs of Ruben Castro. Saved a wonderful penalty and won the heart of every Bernabeu fan.

Danilo – 7.0

Starting ahead of Carvajal again, he was rock solid in defence and was active in attack. Made good runs inside the box from the right, and was instrumental in Real Madrid’s 3rd goal of the night.

Raphael Varane – 6.0

Didn’t have much to do as Madrid dominated most of the attacks, but gave away a penalty which was eventually saved by Navas.

Sergio Ramos – 7.0

Like Varane, had very little to do throughout the match, and the newly appointed club captain lead from the front and was clinical in his challenges. He also was active in the attack, hitting the post with an overhead kick.

Marcelo – 6.5

Had a good game defensively, but was careless in attack, as he conceded possession on several occasions. But fulfilled his duties as a defender, blocking a couple of potentially dangerous crosses.

Luka Modric – 7.0

Missed a few passes and suffered from a light injury in the first half, but was still one of the most creative players on the pitch with his incisive passing.

Toni Kroos – 6.5

The German wasn’t at his very best as he was booked for an unnecessary challenge in the first half, but worked hard in defence for Madrid. He was substituted in the 64th minute of the game.

Gareth Bale – 8.5

The Welshman was at his very best, as he opened the scoring in just 2nd minute of the game, and provided an assist to Karim Benzema. Scored a stunning long range goal in the 89th minute. Was wonderful with his passing and constantly fulfilled his defensive duties.

James Rodriguez –

 9.0 (ES MOM)

The Colombian was undoubtedly the best player on the pitch, providing the cross for Bale’s opener, and then scoring two himself – first a powerful free kick that beat the goalkeeper for pace, and the second one a terrific overhead kick.

Cristiano Ronaldo – 7.5

The Madrid superstar was in good form, and showed wonderful pace, skills and strength on several occasions. Made some good runs, and constantly won free kicks, including the one on which James scored.

Karim Benzema – 8.0

Came back from an injury, but looked sharp and was wonderful in hold up play. Scored an easy header set up by Gareth Bale, and was substituted in the 50th minute to prevent any injury.

Isco (Benzema) – 7.5

The young Spanish midfielder was wonderful since coming on for Benzema. He moved the ball around brilliantly and was wonderful in defence as well.

Casemiro (Kroos) – 7.0

Was wonderful with his passing and tackling, but was booked for an elbow to a Real Betis player.

Kovacic (Modric) – 6.5

Didn’t have much time to show his class, but was solid for the time he was on the pitch after replacing his compatriot Modric in the 75th minute.