Player Ratings: Real Madrid 2-3 Zaragoza

Reasonable performance, but lacked initiative in getting forward. Zaragoza went through the middle which meant he couldn’t be blamed for the goals. Subbed early in the second half for the more attacking-minded Marcelo.

Didn’t marshal the defence well at all, being the most senior member he should have been the organiser. Gave away a penalty when his challenge was nowhere near the ball, and was then sent off late on for a cynical foul on Uche.

Poor performance here, was overran by Uche and the runners working off of him. Was sucked into the ball allowing room in behind, and didn’t want to make a challenge. Caught in the second half also with Uche's forward runs, and looked out of his depth here.

One of the few Madrid players who gave it his all. Worked hard going forward and tried to change the game. Got a goal, which he deserved, with a brilliant low header to get his side back into the game but was missing for Lafita’s second.

Was used in a more central role than usual and this allowed his pace to be nullified by Zaragoza’s midfield. Made one wonderful run through the middle and played Benzema in after taking the ball past three defenders – soon after he was subbed.

Not his same harassing self in the middle of the pitch and with the game naturally being “bitty” his presence wasn’t required. Went missing the second half as well, as he never got on the ball – guilty of being sucked into the ball for Zaragoza’s third goal.

Looked to get involved in the game but didn’t have anything to target. None of the front men seemed bothered to show themselves for a pass. With Di Maria on the pitch he changed his game and was beginning to spread the ball much quicker. Subbed on the half hour mark.

Made some good runs with the ball at feet and tried to unlock Zaragoza’s defence but in the end he moved wide as it was too crowded in the middle. Continued to probe in the second half, but lacked that killer finish when he had the chance to score. Two big misses helped Zaragoza escape with all three points.

Apart from a neat turn in the area wasn’t involved in the game. This was his chance to get a place in the Clasico line-up on Tuesday but with his performance, there is no way Mourinho will take the plunge.

Non-existent in the first half but was a man revitalised in the second. Central to most things Madrid did and scored a wonderful goal when it was 3-1 to get them back in the game.

Never looked settled in goal as any high ball that came in he would flap at. Wasn’t commanding and got his positioning all wrong for Benzema’s goal. Made a great save, or lucky save, against Kaka at the end to ensure his side got the three points.

Looked to use the ball and moved it quickly as Zaragoza tried to counter. Defended well when needed and pushed Madrid inside where his team had the numbers. Substituted at half time.

Put a lot into this game and worked hard to ensure Madrid didn’t settle into a rhythm. When Di Maria and Ozil were introduced, he was troubled by their pace.

Was dominant in the air as all 6ft 4in of him was first to everything. Made several key interceptions but lost Ramos for the goal.

Was resolute throughout the game and made one brilliantly last ditch challenge to stop di Maria from scoring. Went off injured.

Was strong in defense and while pushing the laws of the game and never let anything go without committing fully.

Superb throughout as he looked to unlock paths that didn’t seem possible. Some cheeky chips over the top got Uche and Lafita forward, notably for the first goal and took his penalty well under supreme pressure.

Often undervalued in the middle of the park. His passing range was excellent, but more importantly he got his head up early which stretched Madrid’s defense.

Was caught on the ball a few times as he looked to do too much and was guilty of not supporting the front men when he was needed. Stuck to his defensive duties well as he looked to put Madrid under pressure.

Looked like he may gone off early on, and if he had it may have been a different game. His forward running was brilliant and he used his strength to get the better of the defenders. Never tired and put Lafita through with a wonderful pass for the third and vital goal.