Cristiano Ronaldo scored his eighth goal in his last three La Liga games as Real Madrid beat Villarreal 2-0 at El Madrigal on Saturday afternoon.

The Portuguese made it 2-0 in the first period after Luka Modric had opened the scoring for the away side.

Villarreal improved in the second 45 minutes, but could not find a response on their own patch.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at who impressed during the entertaining La Liga affair.

VILLARREAL

Goal

Sergio Asenjo: Made some good saves, especially in the first period, while he could do nothing with either of Real Madrid's first-half strikes at El Madrigal. (6/10)

Defence

Mario Gaspar: Provided a really good outlet in the final third, but was caught out defensively at times against an interchanging Real Madrid attack. (7/10)

Mateo Musacchio: Was forced off late on through injury, but impressed during his time on the field. Easy to see why he is one of the most in-demand centre-backs in European football. (7/10)

Victor Ruiz: Has impressed for his new club in the early stages of this season, but had a few nervy moments this afternoon. Afforded Ronaldo too much time during spells of the match. (6/10)

Gabriel Paulista: Struggled to make his presence known in the final third. Was decent enough defensively, but might have taken a little more care in possession of the ball. (6/10)

Midfield

Bruno: So often the catalyst for his team, but was not up to his usual standard this afternoon. Decent enough in possession, but struggled to really influence the match. (6/10)

Cani: Always involved in Villarreal's work in the final third, but like Bruno, just could not seem to find that elusive pass on a frustrating afternoon for the Spaniard. (6/10)

Manu Trigueros: Tried his best to make his mark in wide positions as he moved all over the pitch, but was largely frustrated with a lack of service. (6/10)

Moi Gomez: Showed some nice touches in the first period, but was overshadowed by the likes of Modric and Toni Kroos on the opposite side. (6/10)

Attack

Luciano Vietto: Had his side's best chance in the first period after breaking past two Real Madrid defenders, but fired high and wide. Was very lively for the Yellow Submarine. (7/10)

Ikechukwu Uche: Caused the away side all sorts of problems in the first 45 minutes, but struggled to have a similar impact in the second before being replaced by Giovani. (6/10)

Substitutes

Javier Espinosa: Replaced Gomez just past the hour mark, but found it difficult to make a serious impact despite showing some nice touches in possession of the ball. (6/10)

Giovani dos Santos: Received a brilliant ovation after appearing in the second period, but his lack of match fitness made it difficult for the Mexican against a strong defence. (6/10)

Jonathan dos Santos: Had a couple of long-range efforts in the latter stages, but could not find the back of the net. A bright cameo from the former Barcelona midfielder. (6/10)

REAL MADRID

Goal

Iker Casillas: Did not have too much to do for long periods of the match, but was on hand to make a number of bright saves when needed on his return to the XI. (7/10)

Defence

Dani Carvajal: Still finding his way back to fitness following a period on the sidelines. Was not his usual self in the final third, but put on a strong show at the back. (6/10)

Sergio Ramos: Much more like it from the centre-back, who was brilliant at the heart of the defence. Made block after block during an impressive display. (7/10)

Raphael Varane: Fine afternoon for the Frenchman, who showed his class at El Madrigal. Brilliant in possession and strong in the tackle. Surely has done enough to remain in the team. (8/10)

Marcelo: Much better from the Brazilian, who was defensively sound before being forced off with a suspected face injury late on. (7/10)

Midfield

Toni Kroos: The plaudits will go to Modric for his brilliant strike in the first period, but Kroos performed an important role alongside his midfield partner. (7/10)

Luka Modric: Capped an all-round impressive midfield display with Real Madrid's opener. Was always in control of the midfield battle at El Madrigal. (8/10)

James Rodriguez: Floated in and out of the game this afternoon. Performs much better when pushed into a more attacking role. (6/10)

Attack

Gareth Bale: Always looked dangerous in the final third, but was frustrated for long spells of the contest. Has had better matches in recent weeks. (6/10)

Karim Benzema: Set up Ronaldo for Real Madrid's second with a brilliant piece of play, but faded in the second period and had very few chances of his own. (6/10)

Cristiano Ronaldo: Took his goal very well as he netted his eighth in his last three league matches. Had a couple of penalty shouts turned down in the first period. (7/10)

Substitutes

Asier Illarramendi: Introduced in the second period to protect his back four and did a solid job. (6/10)

Nacho: Replaced the injured Marcelo in the latter stages of the contest and picked up the pace of the match immediately. Has been heavily involved in the early stages of the season. (6/10)

Isco: Had little time to make a serious attack after replacing Benzema just five minutes from time. (6/10)