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Almeria
La Liga
Dec 12, 2014 at 7.45pm UK
 
Real Madrid logo

1-4

Verza (39')
FT(HT: 1-2)
Isco (34'), Bale (42'), Ronaldo (81', 88')

Player Ratings: Almeria 1-4 Real Madrid

Sports Mole takes a look at how each individual player performed during Real Madrid's 4-1 La Liga win at Almeria.

Real Madrid recorded their 20th successive win in all competitions with a 4-1 victory over Almeria on Friday.

The three points have moved Los Blancos five points clear at the top of the La Liga table.

Almeria midfielder Verza cancelled out a strike from Isco to leave the scores at 1-1 in the latter stages of the half, but Gareth Bale sent the visitors into a 2-1 lead at the break.

Verza had the chance to level from the penalty spot just past the hour, but saw his effort saved.

Real Madrid made sure of the points late on with a brace from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at how each individual player performed during the La Liga clash.


Almeria midfielder Fernando Soriano posing for a club photograph on July 26, 2013© Getty Images

ALMERIA

Goal

Ruben: Made some smart saves, especially in the latter stages of the contest when Real Madrid ran riot. Conceded four times, but cannot really be blamed for any of the goals. (6/10)

Defence

Michel Macedo: Impressed in the first period as he kept Ronaldo and Karim Benzema quiet, but the Brazilian was guilty of switching off in the second period. Needed better focus. (6/10)

Ximo Navarro: The pick of his side's defenders on the night. Made a number of crucial challenges and vital blocks, but was let down by a number of his teammates in the final 10 minutes of action. (7/10)

Angel Trujillo: Like a number of his teammates, had a good match until the final 10 minutes, when everything for the home team seemed to fall apart. (6/10)

Fran Velez: Picked up a booking just past the hour mark and was lucky not to see red late on. Got forward on plenty of occasions, but lacked a final ball when it mattered most. (6/10)

Midfield

Verza: Levelled the scores with a stunning strike in the first period, but crucially missed a second-half penalty, which would have levelled the scores at 2-2. Hero to villain in Almeria. (7/10)

Thomas Partey: Showed his undoubted talent during periods of the match, but also went missing for long spells. Certainly adds something different to the Almeria midfield. (6/10)

Edgar Mendez: Won his side's penalty in what was a lively performance from the midfielder. Caused Marcelo problems and also delivered a number of telling crosses. (7/10)

Sebastian Dubarbier: Another that had some bright moments. Caused Real Madrid problems with his pace and movement in the final third, but he missed a glorious chance in the early stages. (6/10)

Fernando Soriano Was a surprise inclusion, but aided his side's strong first-half performance. Had a decent match, but struggled when the tempo increased in the second period. (6/10)

Attack

Tomer Hemed: Really struggled to make his mark. Had some good movement around him, but the tall striker could not influence the match. Will be lucky to keep his spot next weekend. (5/10)

Substitutes

Jonathan Zongo: Immediately brought some pace and movement to the Almeria attack, but the youngster's final ball was poor. Needs to improve his decision-making at this level. (6/10)

Wellington Silva: Put in a couple of brilliant crosses on what was a decent cameo performance from the on-loan Arsenal forward. Was also prepared to track back and help his defence. (6/10)

Corona: Only given the final 10 minutes and therefore struggled to make his mark. (5/10)


Real Madrid's forward Isco (R) celebrates with Brazilian defender Marcelo after scoring during the Spanish league football match UD Almeria vs Real Madrid CF on December 12, 2014© Getty Images

REAL MADRID

Goal

Iker Casillas: Saw Verza's first-half effort nestle in the bottom corner, but the Spanish goalkeeper produced a brilliant save to deny the midfielder from the penalty spot in the second period. (7/10)

Defence

Dani Carvajal: Another solid performance from the right-back, who never looked flustered despite spells of Almeria pressure. Set up Ronaldo for the Portuguese's second with a brilliant run late on. (7/10)

Pepe: Was without usual centre-back partner Sergio Ramos, leaving Pepe to lead by example. Strong defensively, while the Portuguese also ventured forward on a couple of occasions. (7/10)

Raphael Varane: Classy performance from the centre-back, who had too much pace and strength for Hemed. Really needs a run in the team at this stage of his career. (7/10)

Marcelo: Was a touch unfortunate to concede a penalty, but the decision did not taint the left-back's performance. Another lively display from the energetic and excitable defender. (7/10)

Midfield

Toni Kroos: Hit the crossbar in the first period, before setting up Real Madrid's third with a brilliant cross. Can do absolutely everything in the middle of the park. (7/10)

Isco: Another excellent performance from the Spaniard, who opened the scoring with a curling effort. Radiated class each time he had possession of the ball. (8/10)

Asier Illarramendi: Has the chance to nail down a spot in the first XI at the moment, but the midfielder was not at his best this evening. Gave the ball away too often in dangerous positions. (6/10)

Attack

Gareth Bale: Scored Real Madrid's second of the evening with a clever header, but he snatched at a couple more opportunities. Played a part in his side's third of the match. (7/10)

Karim Benzema: Worked hard in attack, but did not have much luck in front of goal. That said, the Frenchman set up Ronaldo with a clever pass for the Portuguese's first of the match. (6/10)

Cristiano Ronaldo: Nothing went right for the attacker until the final 10 minutes - when he scored a late brace. Has already registered 25 league goals this season. (7/10)

Substitutes

Fabio Coentrao: Given the final five minutes and almost scored during a scramble inside the box. (6/10)


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Real Madrid's forward Isco (R) celebrates with Brazilian defender Marcelo after scoring during the Spanish league football match UD Almeria vs Real Madrid CF on December 12, 2014
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