Real Madrid's Copa Win: Player Ratings Revealed
Real Madrid's triumphant Copa del Rey victory over Osasuna was a testament to their resilience, tactical prowess, and individual brilliance. The 2-1 win at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville marked their first Copa del Rey title since 2014, a drought that finally ended in exhilarating fashion. But beyond the final scoreline, the individual performances of the players were crucial in securing this coveted trophy. Let's delve into a detailed analysis of each player's contribution, assigning ratings to reflect their impact on the game.
Goalkeepers:
Andriy Lunin (7.5/10): While not heavily tested, Lunin's presence was reassuring. He commanded his area well, made a crucial save in the second half to deny Osasuna a potential equalizer, and showed great composure under pressure. His distribution was also sharp, launching attacks effectively. While not called upon for spectacular saves, his solid performance was essential in securing the clean sheet.
Defenders:
Dani Carvajal (8/10): Carvajal was a tireless force down the right flank. His attacking contributions were crucial, providing width and delivering dangerous crosses. Defensively, he was resolute, consistently winning tackles and aerial duels. His experience and leadership were invaluable, particularly in containing Osasuna's attacking threats.
Éder Militão (7.8/10): Militão formed a formidable partnership with Rüdiger at the heart of the defense. His pace and strength were instrumental in thwarting Osasuna's attacks. He made several important interceptions and clearances, demonstrating his defensive prowess. His composure on the ball was also noteworthy, helping to build attacks from the back.
Antonio Rüdiger (8/10): Rüdiger’s physical presence and commanding style were key to Madrid's defensive solidity. His aerial dominance and ability to win challenges were vital in neutralizing Osasuna's aerial threat. He also showcased his passing range, effectively initiating attacks from the backline. A truly commanding performance from the German international.
Nacho Fernández (7/10): Nacho provided reliable cover at left-back, offering a balanced blend of defensive solidity and attacking support. While not as flashy as Carvajal, he diligently fulfilled his defensive duties, preventing Osasuna from exploiting the flank. His experience and understanding of the game were crucial in maintaining defensive stability.
Midfielders:
Luka Modrić (8.5/10): The maestro orchestrated the midfield with his usual elegance and precision. Modrić’s vision and passing range unlocked the Osasuna defense, creating several scoring opportunities. His tireless work rate and defensive contribution further highlighted his all-around brilliance. A truly inspirational performance from a legend of the game.
Toni Kroos (8/10): Kroos provided the midfield stability, dictating the tempo of the game with his accurate passing and impeccable positional sense. His ability to retain possession under pressure was vital in controlling the midfield battle. His composure and experience were instrumental in calming any nerves during crucial moments of the game.
Federico Valverde (7.5/10): Valverde's energy and dynamism were crucial in the midfield. His pressing and tackling disrupted Osasuna's rhythm, winning back possession in dangerous areas. He also provided attacking impetus, driving forward with purpose and creating opportunities. A solid contribution from a key player in Carlo Ancelotti's setup.
Eduardo Camavinga (7/10): Camavinga provided a box-to-box presence, contributing both offensively and defensively. His athleticism and tenacity helped to control the midfield. He displayed maturity beyond his years, showing great composure and tactical awareness. A promising performance from a young star.
Forwards:
Rodrygo Goes (9/10): Rodrygo's dazzling performance was a key factor in Real Madrid's victory. His pace, dribbling skills, and clinical finishing were instrumental in breaking down the Osasuna defense. His goal was a moment of pure brilliance, showcasing his exceptional talent. A truly match-winning performance.
Karim Benzema (8/10): Benzema’s experience and leadership were invaluable. He linked up play effectively, created opportunities for his teammates, and his overall movement caused Osasuna's defense problems. Although he didn't score, his contribution was essential to the team's overall success. A captain's performance.
Vinicius Junior (7.5/10): Vinicius’ pace and direct running caused Osasuna's defense constant problems. While his finishing could have been better, his ability to beat defenders and create chances was a significant threat. His tireless work rate and commitment to the team's cause were evident throughout.
Substitutes:
Marco Asensio (6.5/10): Asensio provided a fresh injection of energy when he came on. His ability to create chances and his overall positive impact on the game contributed to maintaining Real Madrid's dominance.
Dani Ceballos (6/10): Ceballos added control and creativity in midfield during his time on the pitch, helping Real Madrid to see the game out.
Lucas Vázquez (N/A): Came on too late to warrant a rating.
Manager:
Carlo Ancelotti (9/10): Ancelotti’s tactical masterclass deserves significant praise. His team selection, substitutions, and overall game plan were spot on. His ability to adapt his strategy to counter Osasuna's tactics was a key factor in securing the victory. A testament to his managerial brilliance.
Overall:
Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey triumph was a team effort, with each player contributing significantly to the victory. The individual performances, as reflected in the ratings above, highlighted the quality and depth within the squad. The team’s ability to control the midfield, maintain defensive solidity, and showcase attacking brilliance was a captivating display of football. This victory underscores Real Madrid's status as one of the dominant forces in Spanish football, and a strong contender for future titles. The future looks bright for Los Blancos. This Copa del Rey win is a significant milestone, and a testament to the hard work, dedication and talent within the squad. The players, coaching staff, and fans can all celebrate this well-deserved victory. The future certainly looks bright for the club.