Real Madrid failed to find a way through Villarreal’s low block, and there were no goals at Bernabeu. The game was very entertaining even though there was no winner.
The visitors made an excellent start to the game to put the home side under pressure. Villarreal’s midfield did a fantastic job, and they completely dominated the first half with 63% possession. Their talisman Raul Albiol came up with many crucial blocks in the penalty area to deny Madrid from taking the lead. Unai Emery’s men were very compact in the second half when Los Blancos were in possession and made it exhausting to put the ball in the back of the net.
It was the first game of this season where Real Madrid was goalless. Thanks to Courtois again that the visitors were denied the lead in the first half. The Spanish giants failed to control the game and enjoy long spells of possession, so they just kept chasing the ball in the opening period.
Ancelloti surely won’t be satisfied with the outcome of the game but will be happy with the character his team showed in the second period. Blancos entered the field with a lot more confidence and started creating trouble for Rulli.
The Italian coach tested another combination of players with Nacho playing as the left-back with Miguel Gutierrez on the bench and Fede Valverde playing as the right-back with Asensio in central midfield. There was a miscommunication on multiple occasions that left the defense vulnerable, and this new system of Ancelloti did not seem to be working in the opening 45 minutes.
Here are our Real Madrid’s player ratings from the game against Villarreal:-
Thibaut Courtois: 8
The Dutch goalkeeper was fabulous and came up with numerous sublime saves to deny Villarreal’s attack. Courtois was unquestionably the best Real Madrid on the pitch and kept his first clean sheet infront of the home fans this season.
Nacho: 5.5
The left-back for the night had a good game and made some decisive tackles and interventions. Nacho was very solid in defense and was brilliant in resisting Yeremy Pino. The Spaniard went forward rarely to contribute offensively.
David Alaba: 6.5
Alaba was splendid in 1v1 scenarios against the likes of Paco Alcacer and Dia and made five clearances which were the most by any of his teammates. The summer signing worked very hard and made some vital interventions. The Austrian was very desirous of going forward and helping the attack.
Eder Militao: 6.5
Militao was spectacular in the entire game. The Brazilian had a fierce battle with Danjuma on the right. Militao read the game very well and cut out many crucial chances. The defender also had one of the best chances of the game.
Federico Valverde: 5.5
Valverde as a right-back was a surprise to almost everyone, but it did not turn out well. The Uruguayan left a lot of space for the yellow submarine to exploit when he went forward and found it laborious to defend Danjuma. Valverde was very effective with his crosses when he got attacking freedom in the final moments.
Luka Modric: 5
The Croatian failed to have any desirable impact on the game. Modric was unable to create any clear chances for the team and got subbed off in the 73rd minute.
Casemiro: 6
The Brazilian was unshakeable infront of the defense and was very smart with his tackles but was caught out of position in multiple instances. Casemiro made many vital touches and interceptions when Villarreal was dominant in the opening half.
Marco Asensio: 5
After a brilliant performance against Mallorca, the Spaniard was included in the lineup. But Asensio failed to have the same impact on the game. Asensio tried a couple of shots from outside the box but was not much involved in the game and did not contribute much defensively.
Vinicius Junior: 7
Vinicius was the only individual who caused many problems for the visitors and created many chances but failed to affect the scoreline. Vini was lively throughout the game and had a good competition with Juan Foyth on the left.
Karim Benzema: 5
It was a quiet performance from the in-form Karim Benzema. The Frenchman did not have any real chances in the game but tried to link up with his teammates to create an opening. It was a rare goal-less match for the No.9.
Rodrygo: 6
The Brazilian was actively involved in the game till he was taken off during halftime. Rodrygo tried to whip in some crosses for Benzema, with one of his crosses very nearly resulting in a goal.
Substitutes:-
Eduardo Camavinga: 6
The Frenchman was sent in the second half to strengthen the midfield, which he did to a great extent but had some sloppy passes.
Eden Hazard: 5
Hazard came on the pitch to replace Modric and was actively involved in the attack. The Belgian also created a great chance in the dying moment for Isco to win the game.
Isco: 5
The Spaniard came in the final 10 minutes of the game to revive his Real Madrid career. Isco had one attempt on goal, which was saved brilliantly by Rulli.
