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August 28, 2011 2:00 PM EDT
Estadio de la Romareda — Zaragoza
Referee: César Muñiz Fernández
Attendance: 30000
Player Ratings: Zaragoza 0-6 Real Madrid
Goal.com looks at the players on show in Real Madrid's thumping away victory against Zaragoza.
By Luke Matthews
Despite conceding six goals on his second 'debut' for Zaragoza, the goalkeeper made several impressive saves and was to thank for keeping the scoreline down to single figures.
Poor game from the left back who looked clueless in trying to stop the opposition from running riot. He was unable to provide an attacking threat and was substituted in the second half as Zaragoza looked to change shape.
The experienced left back was deployed in the center of defense tonight as part of a five-man back line. He looked unconvincing in a central role and was often dragged out of position far too easily.
Debut to forget for the experienced center half who joined the club in the summer. Tired too soon in the second half as he struggled to get close to the Madrid attack.
Dreadful game from the former Sunderland man. He simply could not keep up with Ronaldo and Co. who gave him the run-about throughout. His positioning sense also left a lot to be desired.
The Mexican was deployed at right back this evening and struggled to contain the away side's attack that was full of movement. He started brightly but lost concentration as the game went on.
Over-run in the center of the park by his Madrid counterparts. Difficult league debut for the man on-loan from German club Hoffenheim as he was unable to provide the bite needed to stop the lively visitors.
The attacking midfielder was deployed behind Uche this evening but apart from the occasional moment in the first half, he left the Nigerian far too isolated.
Struggled to stamp his authority in midfield and was often seen chasing shadows. Gave the ball away a few times which is unacceptable against a team of Madrid's stature.
The former Getafe man has endured a difficult time during his Zaragoza career and he struggled tonight. He was often left isolated upfront and when he was provided with some support, he was unable to provide the sharpness provided to penetrate the Madrid defense.
Another player making his debut tonight, the midfielder on-loan from West Ham United struggled to create any chances of note for his side despite looking bright in the opening exchanges.
The versatile Hungarian came on for the final half hour, replacing Zuculini but he was no improvement. He struggled with the pace of the game and looked out of his comfort zone.
Entered the game in the final 10 minutes but failed to make any impact on the game as the visitors continued to score.
The Spanish No.1 was a mere spectator in this one. He was left with little to do, other than the occasional ball to collect from the handful of Zaragoza's half attempts.
Energetic performance from the Brazilian who covered plenty of ground down the left wing. He was awarded plenty of opportunities to join the Madrid attack and was in the right place at the right time to grab his club’s second goal, coolly dispatching the ball past Roberto from 12 yards out.
Like his fellow countryman Carvalho, the defender had little to do against Zaragoza. However, Pepe showed decent awareness to cut out the occasional attack from the home side and kept things simple throughout.
The experienced center half enjoyed a quiet game this evening. Due to Zaragoza’s limited attacking threat, the former Chelsea player even found time to make his way forward and his long-busting run nearly ended with Ozil opening the scoring.
The right back was untroubled defensively for large parts but made sure he kept his composure at the back. The Spanish international attacked well and provided the cross which led to Marcelo grabbing his goal.
Worked tirelessly throughout and was full of creation and running. The Argentine winger showed impressive movement and was always involved in Madrid's best play.
The former Benfica man enjoyed a solid competitive debut for Madrid, using the ball well and providing an extra body in attacks. The Portuguese player showed his versatility, filling in for Khedira in the center of the field and was a bundle of energy.
The German playmaker started where he left off last season where he enjoyed an impressive debut campaign in Spain. Full of running and great assist for Ronaldo’s opener. Madrid’s attacking quartet are really starting to form a telepathic understanding.
Solid game from Mr Reliable. The former Real Sociedad player kept things ticking in the center of the field and capped his performance off with a sumptuous long-range strike which nestled its way into the back of the net.
It only took 24 minutes for the Portuguese international to grab his first goal of the campaign with the former Manchester United man showing his usual deadly finishing skills. He ended up with a well-deserved hat-trick to take his tally to an astonishing 14 goals in his last five La Liga appearances.
The French striker worked his socks off tonight upfront but was unable to grab the goal his performance probably deserved. He was involved in the majority of Madrid's best attacking play before making way late on.
He may not be guaranteed of a regular place in Mourinho's starting XI but the Brazilian still showed his class when he was brought on, scoring a tasty goal in the process.
Showed some nice touches when he came into the game and linked up well with his teammates.
Decent cameo from the new signing who entered the game late on and came close to grabbing a goal, seeing his close range effort well saved from Roberto.
| Tournament | |
| Position | |
| Ranking |
| Rank/Player | Position | Team | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Lionel Messi | Striker | Barcelona | 3.61 |
| 2. Cristiano Ronaldo | Striker | Real Madrid | 3.53 |
| 3. Miguel Moyà | Goalkeeper | Getafe | 3.50 |
| 4. Javi Varas | Goalkeeper | Sevilla | 3.50 |
| 5. Arouna Kone | Striker | Levante | 3.38 |
| 6. Alexis Sánchez | Striker | Barcelona | 3.38 |
| 7. Andrés Iniesta Luján | Midfielder | Barcelona | 3.34 |
| 8. Raúl García | Midfielder | Osasuna | 3.33 |
| 9. Ballesteros | Defender | Levante | 3.25 |
| 10. C. Bravo | Goalkeeper | Real Sociedad | 3.25 |
| 11. Antoine Griezmann | Striker | Real Sociedad | 3.25 |
| 12. Rubén Castro | Striker | Betis | 3.25 |
| 13. Cesc Fàbregas | Midfielder | Barcelona | 3.21 |
| 14. Karim Benzema | Striker | Real Madrid | 3.19 |
| 15. Movilla | Midfielder | Rayo Vallecano | 3.17 |
| 16. Nino | Striker | Osasuna | 3.17 |
| 17. Muniain | Striker | Athletic Bilbao | 3.17 |
| 18. Xavi | Midfielder | Barcelona | 3.15 |
| 19. Gonzalo Higuaín | Striker | Real Madrid | 3.15 |
| 20. Unai Emery | Manager/Coach | Valencia | 3.13 |
| Player | Goals | Penalties | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Lionel Messi
Striker Barcelona |
50 | 10 |
|
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Cristiano Ronaldo
Striker Real Madrid |
46 | 12 |
|
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Radamel Falcao
Striker Atlético de Madrid |
24 | 5 |
|
|
Gonzalo Higuaín
Striker Real Madrid |
22 | 0 |
|
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Karim Benzema
Striker Real Madrid |
21 | 0 |

