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Mallorca 1-2 Real Madrid Player Ratings
Real Madrid might have won the match but lets be honest here, Real Madrid played crap for the whole match. They did not impose themselves enough and were far to conservative in their approach to this game. Even when Real Madrid had the lead for the last 20 odd minutes, we could not maintain possession and kept on losing the ball time and time again. If this standard remains then Barcelona would thrash us 5-0 again in midweek Copa Del Ray match. Before Kaka’s introduction (who played absolutely a vital role in Real Madrid’s comeback by making his trademark runs and one touch creative passing) Real Madrid looked like losing this game by 2 or 3 goals, nobody felt comfortable on the ball.
Nobody wanted to take action and take charge of the game, it was only due to the mastermind Mourinho that Real Madrid were able to use their subs wisely and hence change the game. Higuain and Kaka looked very confident and direct on the ball. Higuain’s shot which required self belief brought Real Madrid back into the game and Kaka’s amazing runs put some doubt into the hearts of a well organized Mallorca defense.
Here are my player ratings for the match:
Casillas 7: Could not have done more. The goal he conceded was the fault of the defense and not his. Made some good saves and generally looked calm and relaxed.
Marcelo 4: Was poor throughout the match before being subbed at half time by Mourinho. Though Mourinho will say otherwise,the fact is that he subbed Marcelo for his poor performance. Marceloa was, his usual, poor in defense but strangely enough he was as poor in attack tonight as he was in defense. He could not get into the attacking half of Mallorca and when he did, he lost possession. For me, the first goal was his fault as he was miles off his position. Mourinho, please be wise and do not start with Marcelo against Barcelona. He almost killed off the game for Real Madrid by conceding that second goal at the 60th minute mark I think but it was wrongly judged offside by the linesman, had that been allowed it would have been curtains for Real Madrid and would have been all due to the services of Marcelo.
Pepe 7: Had a nice and solid game. Looked good on the ball and his distribution was pretty solid too. His clearance ability is very very good now, he can clear the ball almost from any position. He can clear it backwards, while running and also during all the confusion inside the box. Held the offside line pretty well.
Sergio Ramos 6.5: He also looked calm and relaxed, his distribution was also good and had a goal disallowed. Someone told me that, the goal was legit, but hye, Real Madrid won and that is all that matters. Did not make any mistakes and looked very alert for the counter attacking Mallorca.
Arbeloa 3: Was shit in defense and shit while attacking. Had no creativity. Had no sense. Lacked the sharpness required to be a right back and was just horribly horrible while attacking. Always got himself shut on the wings and then turned back to play the ball back to the defense which basically killed off Real Madrid moves which would have proved useful had Ramos been there.
Lass 6: Was industrious in the midfield. Was full or running and distributed the ball well. Don’t know why he was taken off at half time. May be Mourinho wanted to be more aggressive and for that he had to sacrifice a defender and a midfielder. He was pretty solid and would be disappointed at being taken off at half time.
Alonso 6: Had an average game. Neither good neither bad. Was good in his distribution of the ball as usual and helped out in attack as well. Took some pretty good free kicks, but Real Madrid forwards could not take any advantage as they were being marked so tightly by Mallorca defenders.
Callejon 7 : I hated him all the time before he scored that vital goal. He just does not seem to have the quality to be a Real Madrid player but his passion for Real Madrid and his hard work more than makes up for his lack to talent or skill. Took his goal pretty well and had some luck in it too. Tried hard closing down Mallorca players and worked very hard throughout the match in trying to create spaces for his teammates. He tracked back too in order to help the defense even during the last minutes of the game which was very positive sign to see and should act as an example for some other offense minded player who do not even bother to run back, let alone track back.
Ozil 6.5: He too had an average game. Did not look to good on the ball though he had nice ball control. Did not make as many killer passes as he normally does but it was his killer pass which set up the goal for Higuain. He also tried hard but had no answer to Mallorca’s stubborn defense. He was closed down efficiently and lacked the speed or strength to get past players on his own.
C.Ronaldo 6.5: Did not look himself tonight and that was also because Mallorca defended deep and defended very well. They fouled Ronaldo a lot and that did not allow him to fully come into the game. Made a venomous shot in the second half from a long way out. Did some good work on the wings which allowed Real Madrid plenty of dead ball situations. His ball control tonight was very very questionable and one would think that, he must improve that if he wants to remain one of the top 3 players in the world. Made some woeful passes in the first half but improved in the second.
Benzema 7.5: Apart from Kaka and Higuain, he was Real Madrid’s best player throughout the match. Tried hard for his teammates, made sacrificing runs so that more space could be created in the 10 man wall of Mallorca. Made one good turn and hit shot towards the end of the first half but apart from that, looked inefficient as Mallorca defense was just too tight. Looked confident on the ball and took on defenders whenever he got the opportunity.
Do let me know if you disagree with any ratings or want to add some thoughts of your own. I am all ears now and waiting to listen to you guys. If you want to see your favorite team and players in action and get inspired then there is no better way to do it by actually being a part of the action by watching it live in person.
