La Liga Player ratings: Real Madrid 2 – Valencia CF 0 (Part 2)
Valencia CF
Vicente Guaita – 8
With the club’s top two goalkeepers nursing their injuries on treatment tables, Guaita was handed the gloves as many questioned his pedigree. However, the Spaniard was up to the task at hand and only conceded late in the second half when his side was a man
down. Great performance!
Bruno Saltor – 6
The youngster had hit a purple form of late for Los Che and kept his head high last night despite the defeat. While Bruno was solid in the attack, the full back contributed precious little to the attack.
Marius Stankevicius – 6
Stankevicius has performed well of late but it wasn’t one of his better performances. Despite making some good interceptions, the Lithuania International was a distant best to Ronaldo.
Hedwiges Maduro – 4.5
The player was given a torrid time by the likes of Ronaldo and Ozil as Maduro was anonymous for most of the game.
Jordi Alba – 5
It was a night to forget for the poor Spaniard as Los Merengues raided his flank all too often. While Alba’s primary task is to run at the opposition defence, he was frequently found running towards his own goal – not a good sign for any better. Unai Emery
put him out of his misery by substituting him in the second half.
Joaquin – 5.5
The sizzling winger we all know has gone for good. Instead, we now have is a player who simply can’t produce at this level of football. Joaquin was anonymous for much of the second half and only decided to give it a try towards the closing stages. Even then,
his final ball often left a lot to be desired.
David Albelda – 6.5
The veteran used all his accumulated experience to strangle a talented Madrid midfield – and to great effect too. Albelda was extremely unfortunate to see the red card as the ball clearly hit him on the chest but the referee adjudged it to be a hand ball.
His impact is highlighted by the fact that Real only scored once he had taken the walk of shame into the tunnel.
Alberto Costa – 7.5
Costa was one of the better Los Che players on the pitch as his set-piece deliveries were always top-notch. However, having said that, Costa’s ability to test the opposition custodians with his long range strikers wasn’t on the show last night.
Juan Mata - 6
The World Cup winner started the game in top gear as he looked a threat every time he touched the ball. But his impact faded badly as the game progressed. Mata was anonymous in the second half before Ever Bangea was introduced in his place.
Roberto Soldado – 5.5
The former Real Madrid youngster had one of his notorious off days on the night as he missed a host of clear cut opportunities to open the scoring. Soldado will want to forget this performance at the earliest in order to rediscover his form.
Substitutions
Miguel – 5.5
Replaced a disappointing Jordi Alba but was hardly an improvement. The Spaniard was fooled all too easily by Ronaldo for Madrid opener as the defender lacked anticipation.
Ever Banega – 6.5
Judging by the few minutes Banega played on the night, he should have started the game. The Argentine has a bright future ahead of him as his technique, dribbling and running were a joy to watch. However, having said that, his decision making needs to improve
if he is to make the cut for a bigger club.
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