Another fixture, another three points for Real Madrid as they defeated a struggling Almeria at the Santiago Bernebau.
Real are still two points behind league leaders Barcelona following another unconvincing victory in which a James Rodriguez wonder goal broke the deadlock just prior to half time.
His half-vollied strike was Los Galacticos’ 100th goal of the league this season and ensured Real would continue their attacking momentum into the second term.
Indeed it was the continuous pressure from Portuguese talisman Cristiano Ronaldo which forced Almeria’s Mauro Dos Santos to put the ball into his own net after a superb cross from German midfielder Toni Kroos.
A final goal from Alvaro Arbeloa sealed the deal for the understrength hosts who will face Sevilla in their upcoming fixture.
Real Madrid
Keylor Navas – 5.5: Impressive when needed but had little to do due to his side’s performance.
Alvaro Arbeloa – 6: The Spaniard impressed the supporters with his eagerness to attack. In fact he combined well with Jese and caused havoc for the opposition. His efforts saw him score the final goal.
Raphael Varane – 5: The same solid performance by the defender.
Pepe – 5: Strong both when coming forward and defending. A consistent performance from the Portuguese.
Fabio Coentrao – 5: Came forward on every given occasion and made many threatening runs down the flank.
Oscar Illaramendi – 4: Moments of spark and creativity were marred by the Spaniard’s poor decision-making.
Toni Kroos – 6.5: Key in the Real midfield. His role is akin to that of Andrea Pirlo, the puppeteer pulling the strings in the centre of the park.
Jese Rodriguez – 5.5: Main problem for the youngster was his finishing. Apart from this, his creativity and enthusiasm were positives for the side.
James Rodriguez – 6.5: Was excellent when attacking on the counter and his sublime half-volley goal gave the Madridistas the lead.
Javier Hernandez- 5.5: Set up the final goal and was a constant threat throughout the match inside and around the penalty box. Perhaps he could be bought by Real after all.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 4: Had a few scoring chances and forced the second goal, however it was a quiet night for the Portuguese superstar.
Substitutes
Nacho – N/A: Replaced Varane but spent little time on the pitch.
Lucas Silva – 5: Combined well with Isco and made a statement in his defensive midfield position.
Isco: – 6.5 When he entered the pitch, it was as if there was a new sense of urgency and creativity. Injected the forward line with attacking ideas.
Almeria
Ruben Martinez – 4.5: He could not have prevented the three goals that were conceded.
Mauro Dos Santos – 4: Solid in defence except for the concession of the own goal.
Mane – 5: Defended well against the onslaught of Madrid attacks.
Angel Trujillo – 4.5: Another who defended well but due to fatigue, made numerous errors.
Sebastian Dubarbier – 5: Was comfortable at both ends of the pitch and willingly came forward on rare counter attacking moments.
Ximo – 5.5: Attacked at the right moments and kept a close eye on Ronaldo.
Verza – 5: Did well and was solid in defending the Real attack.
Thomas Partey – 4: Defended as much as he could but had restricted time on the ball to attack due to the dominance of Real.
Corona – 4.5: Attempted to start the counter attacks whenever possible and was a key figure all over the pitch.
Tomer Hemed – 3: Could not find ways through the defence and hence had a frustrating evening.
Edgar Mendez -3.5: Poor defensively but excellent and creative in attack.
Substitutes
Javier Espinosa- 4.5: Replaced Partey and continued his attacking momentum.
Ramon Azeez – 4: Replaced Verza and made himself known in the centre of the pitch.
Jonathan Zongo -4: Offered the visitors more attacking options.
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