Player Ratings: Real Madrid 1-0 Valencia

Real Madrid

Iker Casillas - 8 - Didn't have too many saves to make, but did well when called upon. St. Iker looks to be regaining his form...

Michel Salgado - 7 - A decent game, but, like last week, his ageing legs became a liability as the game wore on.

Christoph Metzelder - 8 - Was well-positioned throughout, and made some excellent saving tackles.

Fabio Cannavaro - 8 - A good performance, shackled Villa for most of the match and did not commit any unnecessary fouls.

Marcelo - 7 - Was often beaten for pace by Joaquin, but most would be by a man of that speed. Reined in his attacking instincts well, which has been a problem in the past.

Arjen Robben - 8 - Was brilliant at times, running past people at will and setting others up, as on the goal. On other occasions, he was too selfish, choosing to shoot when others were wide open. Also indulged in a dreadful act of play-acting to get Marchena sent off.

Guti - 7 - Another game in which he went from the sublime to the ridiculous. Some magnificent through-balls, but also some shocking misses.

Fernando Gago - 8 - Had a good game, not allowing Valencia's midfield too much space to operate, as well as helping out in defence when needed.

Royston Drenthe - 6 - A fairly quiet first half in which he did not find much space, and was duly replaced.

Rafael Van Der Vaart - 7 - Was unlucky to hit the post, and combined well with Robben on occasions, but drifted out of the game too often.

Gonzalo Higuain - 8 - Scored an excellent goal early on, and while his finishing after that left something to be desired, he was a constant nuisance for the Valencia defence.

Subs

Raul - 6 - Came on at half-time and did nothing spectacular, but held the ball up well when required.

Palanca - 7 - Looked lively after coming on, and his night will be remembered for the relentless gushing of blood from his head.

Miguel Torres - 7 - Was not on for long, but did well to keep Joaquin in check for the final minutes.


Valencia

Renan - 7 - Could not do much about the goal, and saved well when he was called upon. One horrific throw though, which should have been punished.

Miguel - 7 - Was fairly threatening going forward, but sometimes gave the ball away needlessly in the final third. Had a decent game defensively.

Carlos Marchena - 5 - Was lucky not be sent off for a foul on Salgado earlier on. Committed errors throughout the game and was a liability.

Raul Albiol - 6 - Was partially to blame for the incredible amount of space afforded to Real Madrid's forwards all too often.

Asier Del Horno - 4 - Another shocking performance from the man who, not so long ago, was considered to be among the best left-backs in the world. Was absolutely destroyed by Robben.

Manuel Fernandes - 6 - Showed some good touches to maintain control, but wasted many attacking openings with wayward shots when passing would have been a better option.

David Albelda - 6 - An unspectacular game, hardly ventured forward, and was not his usual destructive self in midfield.

Joaquin - 7 - Had an excellent first half, running past Marcelo at will and crossing dangerously. But almost disappeared completely in the second.

Ruben Baraja - 6 - Didn't do much for the whole game, but should have done better with a header that was well saved by Casillas.

Juan Mata - 7 - Was fairly lively and created good space for himself, but was sorely lacking the killer final ball.

David Villa - 6 - Not one of his best games by any means. Wasted a few chances, including one which you would normally bank your house on him scoring.

Subs

David Silva - 5 - Came on after 60 minutes and was expected to make an impact, but hardly even touched the ball, and did not look completely match fit.

Hedwiges Maduro - 6 - Replaced Del Horno, and while he was an improvement in defence, still allowed the opposition far too much space.

Vicente - 5 - Didn't have much time to make an impact, but wasted a few set-pieces with poor deliveries.

Arjun Miglani, Goal.com



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