Player ratings as Los Blancos lose ground in title race

Real Madrid missed the opportunity to move to four points behind La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid, beaten 2-1 by Levante on Saturday afternoon.

Real were reduced to ten men with just eight minutes on the clock after Eder Militao received his marching orders to bring down Sergio Leon, who appeared to be at the end of the goal.

Despite being a downed man, it was the home side that took the lead, with Marco Asensio clinging to Toni Kroos’ majestic cross ball before coldly passing Aitor Fernandez.

After winning 1-0, Zinedine Zidane’s side began to take control of the game, but their dominance was reduced when Levante hit back with just over half an hour. Alvaro Odriozola was caught staring at the ball at the far post and Jose Luis Morales took full advantage of it by brilliantly guiding his half volley into the far corner.

Vinicius Junior was introduced in the second half as Real looked to regain the lead, and seconds after coming in he conceded a penalty, although Thibaut Courtois came to the home side’s rescue with a nice save from the Roger Marti kick.

Just over ten minutes from time, Roger redeemed himself by giving Levante the lead. A well-crafted set-piece resulted in the Spaniard ending up unmarked in Real 18-yard box, and his superb touch and finish left Courtois with no luck.

These are the highlights of the match, now the ratings of Real Madrid players.

Thibaut Courtois (GK) – 8/10 – There wasn’t much he could do against either of Levante’s goals. Produced a number of fine saves to keep his team in the game and was tasked with playing a sweeper role once Madrid were reduced to ten men, which he did very well. Made a good save in the second half.

Alvaro Odriozola (RB) – 4/10 – Caught under the ball as Levante equalized shortly after the half hour. Obviously eager to make amends following his mistake and has just ended up leaving his teammates exposed defensively.

Eder Militao (CB) – 2/10 – Dismissed with only eight minutes on the clock. His challenge was more awkward than malicious, although his poor positioning was the reason he was forced to bring down Leon.

Raphael Varane (CB) – 5/10 – Struggled to adjust following the sacking of his center-back partner and spent much of the game chasing shadows as Levante rioted.

Ferland Mendy (LB) – 5/10 – Attempted to aid the attack but rarely succeeds in providing quality when given the chance.

Toni Kroos (CM) – 6/10 – Produces a moment of magic to guide the ball straight through the Levante baseline with the outside of his boot. Otherwise, an unusually subdued performance.

Casemiro (CM) – 7/10 – Responsible for replacing the central back after the dismissal of Militao. Came in midfield and spread the game well – a good performance given the circumstances.

Luka Modric (CM) – 7/10 – I just did what Luka Modric is doing. Sitting in the middle of the pitch, stroking the ball with ease while stretching the play and sliding past the opponent – made the difficult seem like the easiest thing in the world.

Marco Asensio (RW) – 7/10 – Locked on to Kroos’ pass to score the game’s opening goal superbly, and could easily have doubled the lead minutes later after a glorious play. A little more in difficulty in the second half but still a good performance.

Karim Benzema (ST) – 4/10 – One of the quietest 90 minutes of football you’ll see from the French. Obviously, he started to get frustrated with his teammates as he made an angry gesture at them. Spoiled the only chance that presented itself with a shocking finish.

Eden Hazard (LW) – 5/10 – Showed glimpses in recent weeks of a return to once-Eden Hazard, but it wasn’t his day. Couldn’t catch the ball in the final third and found himself falling deeper and deeper in an attempt to get involved in the game. Hooked with barely an hour of play.

Vinicius Junior (RW) – 4/10

Mariano (ST) – 6/10

Sergio Arribas (LW) – 6/10