Cup opening notes: James and Nacho apply for more

Player RatingsIf the goalkeeper and a joker were among the best players on the field in the 3-1 away win against Unionistas de Salamanca in the Copa del Rey, then it was probably not a glorious game. The work victory also saw two Blancos perform well, while some others disappointed. The marks for the first cup round.

While James was dangerous on the offensive, Nacho Fernández defensively performed well – Photo: Jose Jordan / AFP via Getty Images

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starting

Alphonse Aréola

Reals number two was reliable – despite the goal. The Frenchman didn’t have much to do on his sixth mission. However, when asked to do so, he was there (18, 64 and 79 minutes). In the meantime, Alphonse Aréola had no chance. REAL TOTAL grade: 2.

Daniel Carvajal

A proper appearance by the right-back. Unusually restrained on the offensive and did not burn much on the right side of the defense. Particularly important: his rescue operation in the 77th minute when he blocked a cross from the Unionistas at the last second to the corner. We are looking forward to the next few weeks, because after the departure of Álvaro Odriozola Dani Carvajal has one competitor less on the position. REAL TOTAL grade: 2.5.

Nacho Fernández

The Spaniard was the strongest defender of the royal team in Salamanca and knew how to shine in the back four through good positional play and duel behavior. That also shows his 100% duel ratio from nine duels won, Nacho also ensured calm in the central defense in a hectic phase. But was too hesitant when conceding – you could have solved it differently. Nevertheless, his appearance made you want more. REAL TOTAL grade: 2.

Éder Militão

It was not really smooth with the new signing against the third division. Often with small mistakes and bad positional play. The Brazilian did not look good at all in the 1-1 draw. It won’t be like this when you come past Sergio Ramos or Raphaël Varane. REAL TOTAL grade: 4.

Marcelo

Tonight was one of the hardest working Blancos, but Marcelo also had to struggle with the difficult space conditions. Won six of his eleven duels and had two key passes. The wuschelkopf initiated the goal with his catastrophic bad pass. When will we finally see old Marcelo again? REAL TOTAL grade: 3.5.

James Rodríguez (up to 80th minute)

The Colombian was one of the best against the underdog. His cross in the 18th minute could not be cleared by the Unionistas, so Gareth Bale could score the 1-0 lead. In the 37th minute, after a great one-two with Casemiro, James even had the opportunity to crown his good performance – but his lop went to the bar. The working day for the 28-year-old was over after 80 minutes – like Nacho he applied for more! REAL TOTAL grade: 2.5.

Casemiro

A one-on-one power as usual and with some ball wins. But “Case” also had its dropouts every now and then. Won twelve of 21 duels and got a scorer point for the 3-1 from Brahim Díaz. REAL TOTAL grade: 2.5.

Federico Valverde

Inconspicuous game of the Uruguayan. As always, had an enormous amount of work and an impressive 93 percent pass rate – Valverde probably got a few practice hours from Toni Kroos. Was also very defensive and interrupted the counterattacks of the Unionistas a few times. REAL TOTAL grade: 3.

Gareth Bale (up to 53. minute)

After the opening goal, there was hope that Gareth Bale would really blossom against the third division. Nothing came of it. Except for a few sprints and two shots on goal, the Welshman was nowhere to be seen. Consequently, the substitution in the 53rd minute was slightly struck. His gate saves him to one REAL TOTAL grade: 3.5.

Karim Benzema (up to 75th minute)

Tried but often unsuccessful. Karim Benzema still needs a little time after his injury. Because against Salamanca, the Frenchman had only four shots on goal, which then did not pose too great a threat to the Unionistas keeper. For more than five competitive games, “Big Benz” has been waiting for a goal again. REAL TOTAL grade: 3.

Vinícius Júnior

The young Brazilian disappointed against the outsider and was one of the weakest blancos on the pitch. Was offside too often, lost the ball again and also many of his duels. Would have received better marks if he had used his big chance in the final phase. REAL TOTAL grade: 4.

Bale and Brahim meet: The royal are on in the Copa del Rey. Continue reading

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substitute

Brahim Díaz (from the 53rd minute)

Brahim Díaz was the best man on the court, and that as a joker! After being substituted for Bale after 53 minutes, the Spaniard showed enthusiasm and rewarded himself in the final phase after a great solo for 3-1 with his second goal in real dress. There could have been three if Salamanca defender Gongora hadn’t put the ball into his own goal. Here, too, one should be excited about the next few days. Will Brahim stay or will he still be awarded? The midfielder performed very well against the home side. REAL TOTAL grade: 1.5.

Luka Jovic (from 75th minute)

Didn’t have much time to prove and also bad luck with the double chance in the 84th minute. Without rating.

Isco (from 80th minute)

Was only allowed to warm up late and came late – and ultimately without real participation. Without rating

Trainer

Zinedine Zidane

Games against blatant outsiders are always difficult. Especially for the trainers. However, Zinedine Zidane managed to motivate his team from the start and not to embarrass themselves. With the substitution of Brahim Díaz, the Frenchman made the best decision. REAL TOTAL grade: 2.5.

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