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La Liga
Jan 4, 2015 at 4pm UK
 
RM

2-1

Pepe (53' og.), Otamendi (65')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Ronaldo (14' pen.)

Player Ratings: Valencia 2-1 Real Madrid

:Headline: Player Ratings: Valencia 2-1 Real Madrid: ID:197099: from db_amp
Sports Mole analyses how each individual player performed during Valencia's 2-1 win over Real Madrid in La Liga.

Second-half goals from Antonio Barragan and Nicolas Otamendi helped Valencia beat Real Madrid 2-1 in La Liga on Sunday.

Cristiano Ronaldo had sent the visitors into a first-half lead from the penalty spot, but Valencia responded after the interval to end Real Madrid's 22-match winning run in all competitions.

The result has moved Valencia into fourth spot in the table.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at how each individual player performed during the Spanish affair.


VALENCIA

Goal

Diego Alves: Made a quite stunning save late on to deny Isco from close range. Proved unbeatable from open play at the Mestalla despite the best efforts of Real Madrid. (8/10)

Defence

Nicolas Otamendi: Man-of-the-match performance from the Argentine, whose second-half header proved the winner. Gave Ronaldo and Benzema no change in the final third of the field. (9/10)

Lucas Orban: Was the player tasked with marking Gareth Bale and the Welshman had a frustrating afternoon up against the classy centre-back. (8/10)

Shkodran Mustafi: No-frills performance from the German, who refused to take any chances in defensive areas. Formed a very solid three-man defence. (8/10)

Midfield

Antonio Barragan: Scored his side's equaliser after showing excellent desire to burst into the box, but missed an incredible chance to make it 3-1 after 68 minutes. (8/10)

Dani Parejo: Set up Otamendi for his side's second with a wicked corner in what was a strong performance from the Valencia captain. (7/10)

Andre Gomes: Rattled the post late in the first period, before firing a half-volley just wide in the second. A constant threat in forward areas for the home side. (8/10)

Victor Perez: Only arrived from Benfica earlier this week, but was thrust straight into the XI. Did not stop running and was also classy in possession of the ball. (7/10)

Pablo Piatti: Given the left wing-back role, but his afternoon lasted just 23 minutes after picking up an injury. (6/10)

Attack

Paco Alcacer: Given the nod ahead of Rodrigo in the final third, but the Spaniard found it difficult to influence proceedings against Sergio Ramos and Pepe. (6/10)

Alvaro Negredo: Gave away a first-half penalty in what was a difficult match for the Spaniard. Had a couple of half-chances, but could not take advantage. (6/10)

Substitutes

Jose Gaya: Replaced the injured Piatti after just 23 minutes and did not take long to pick up the pace of the match. Caused Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal problems. (7/10)

Sofiane Feghouli: Introduced 20 minutes from time to provide energy and pace on the counter and the midfielder did exactly as he was asked. (7/10)

Rodrigo: Only given the final 10 minutes, but worked hard. (6/10)


REAL MADRID

Goal

Iker Casillas: Made some really smart saves in the first period and cannot really be blamed for either goal. Has been in excellent form for Real Madrid this season. (7/10)

Defence

Dani Carvajal: Usually such a threat in the final third, but the right-back was nullified by Valencia. Found it difficult to deal with the pace of Gaya. (6/10)

Pepe: Made a number of vital blocks in the first period and was unfortunate to deflect Barragan's effort past his own goalkeeper. Solid alongside Sergio Ramos. (7/10)

Sergio Ramos: Had a golden chance to level late on, but his header just dropped wide of the post. Another impressive defensive performance from the Spaniard. (7/10)

Marcelo: Like Carvajal, found it difficult to make his mark in the final third. Ventured forward in the latter stages, but his delivery was a little unpredictable. (6/10)

Midfield

Toni Kroos: Was his usual self in possession of the ball, while he delivered a couple of dangerous crosses. Needed a little bit more from those around him, though. (6/10)

Isco: Had a brilliant chance to level late on, but his header was saved by Alves. Worked hard, but it never really happened for the midfielder in the final third. (6/10)

James Rodriguez: Has been in excellent form for Real Madrid in recent weeks, but the Colombian found it difficult to influence proceedings at the Mestalla. (6/10)

Attack

Gareth Bale: Raced through on goal just before the hour mark, but went alone instead of setting up Karim Benzema for a tap-in. Not one of the Welshman's best games for Los Blancos. (6/10)

Karim Benzema: Found it difficult to break through Valencia's strong back three. Made plenty of positive runs, but did not really receive enough good service. (6/10)

Cristiano Ronaldo: Opened the scoring with a cool penalty, but the Portuguese had a largely frustrating match. Had chances, but could not add to his tally. (7/10)

Substitutes

Sami Khedira: Pushed further forward during the latter stages, but the German could not make a telling impact. (6/10)

Jese Rodriguez: Replaced Bale 20 minutes from time, but the Spaniard found it as difficult as his teammate against a well-drilled Valencia defence. (6/10)

Javier Hernandez: Given the final 10 minutes, but struggled to make an impression despite his willingness. (6/10)


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