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Played
December 8, 2012 2:00 PM EST
Estadio Municipal José Zorrilla — Valladolid
Referee:‬ Pedro Pérez‎
Attendance:‬ 22714‎
 
7′ Manucho
22′ Manucho
Mesut Özil 45′
 
Mesut Özil 72′
   
 
 

Player Ratings: Valladolid 2-3 Real Madrid

Goal.com rates the players on show as Mesut Ozil brings los Blancos from behind with two moments of real quality, keeping the pressure off of Jose Mourinho for another week.

By Tom Webber

  • D. Hernández
    17
    9
    3.00

    D. Hernández

    There was little the keeper could do to keep Benzema out but was unlucky to see Ozil's shot dribble into the net. He made a great save from a stinging Ronaldo effort in the first-half in a fairly impressive display.

  • Antonio Rukavina
    6
    10
    3.00

    Antonio Rukavina

    A decent display from the right-back as he limited the impact of Di Maria in the second-half. He was composed and picked his moments to push forward well in a competent outing against the champions.

  • Marc Valiente
    6
    8
    3.00

    Marc Valiente

    An unfortunate slip allowed Callejon to set up Benzema for Madrid's first but he atoned with a fantastic tackle in the area on the Frenchman in the 32nd minute. He did not let that unfortunate incident effect the rest of his game.

  • Sereno
    7
    6
    3.00

    Sereno

    The Portuguese was solid on his return to the side, keeping things compact at the back to limit the space available through the middle. However, he was clumsy in challenging Benzema in the 72nd minute and Ozil fired in the winner from the resulting free-kick.

  • Balenziaga
    6
    9
    3.00

    Balenziaga

    Dealt well with the Madrid wingers throughout and he also tucked in well. He was very reserved and focused on keeping his flank on lockdown, something that he managed to do for the majority of the game.

  • Óscar
    13
    7
    4.00

    Óscar

    The 30-year-old put in another impressive display as he pulled the strings in behind Manucho. His touch was good, he made some great passes, and was perhaps unlucky not to have got himself a goal.

  • Omar
    7
    8
    3.00

    Omar

    Looked dangerous early on but was culpable for Madrid's first equaliser after a painfully short pass set gave away possession. He kept Arbeloa occupied and provided a positive outlet for his side.

  • Álvaro Rubio
    7
    8
    3.50

    Álvaro Rubio

    Reacted well to send Ebert's corner back into the path of Manucho for the game's first goal. He did well to limit the space for Ozil until the German popped up with a moment of brilliance to score in the 45th minute.

  • Patrick Ebert
    9
    8
    3.50

    Patrick Ebert

    The German had a fantastic game as his two corners created his team's two goals, the second as a direct assist. He had Casillas worried with a powerful free kick but was forced off in the first-half with a hamstring injury.

  • Víctor Pérez
    6
    7
    3.50

    Víctor Pérez

    Would perhaps have expected a bit more competition in the middle of the park but Madrid seemed a bit intimidated by their surroundings. He moved the ball about well and hardly set a foot wrong all evening.

  • Manucho
    30
    8
    4.50

    Manucho

    The former Manchester United striker was clinical in front of goal. After a simple opener he held off Ramos to add a second. He also chipped in defensively from set-plays in a brilliant evening.

Substitutions

  • Javi Guerra
    5
    9

    Javi Guerra

    Came on for Manucho in the 78th minute but was unable to make an impact on proceedings.

  • Bueno
    8
    6
    3.50

    Bueno

    Came on for Ebert in the first-half and proved a capable deputy against his old club. He used the ball well and provided width for Valladolid.

  • Iker Casillas
    49
    22
    3.00

    Iker Casillas

    The keeper did not command his area as effectively as he could. Was neglected by his defence for the opener but should have come to claim Ebert's corner on the second. He managed to keep out a few shots after the break.

  • Pepe
    45
    20
    3.00

    Pepe

    Made a few clumsy challenges but ultimately enjoyed a solid enough game. He could have orchestrated the defence a bit better and used his experience to help give his team a more solid base at the back.

  • Sergio Ramos
    46
    27
    3.00

    Sergio Ramos

    Chased the ball and missed it, leaving Manucho free to score the opener. He was equally culpable for the second as he failed to challenge Manucho aerially inside the six-yard box but came close to atoning with two impressive second-half headers.

  • Arbeloa
    32
    29
    3.00

    Arbeloa

    A relatively ineffectual evening from the full-back. He was not given the chance to get forward and he was slow to close down opponents inside his half. He was withdrawn midway through the second period.

  • Nacho
    37
    25
    2.50

    Nacho

    The young left-back failed to convince in the first-half and was taken off at half-time after some less than inspiring defending.

  • Sami Khedira
    42
    31
    2.50

    Sami Khedira

    Looked eager to pass the ball and move forward early on but soon had to refocus. He failed to screen the defence properly as Valladolid worked the ball through the centre well. Not his greatest performance.

  • Mesut Özil
    194
    18
    4.50

    Mesut Özil Top of the Match

    The German was largely quiet in the first-half as a compact defence meant he was starved of space. However, he took matters into his own hands and netted two goals of real class to bring Madrid from behind to win.

  • Xabi Alonso
    45
    25
    3.00

    Xabi Alonso

    It was an odd performance from the midfielder as he was unusually wasteful in possession. He spent a lot of time chasing shadows in the midfield and did not get enough time to sit on the ball and pick his pass.

  • Callejón
    70
    18
    3.50

    Callejón

    His chasing forced Omar into a mistake in the first-half and he took full advantage, assisting Benzema for the opener. He continued to work hard but was moved back to left-back for the second period and coped well.

  • Cristiano Ronaldo
    91
    90
    2.50

    Cristiano Ronaldo Flop of the Match

    Not quite what has come to be expected of the Portuguese as he failed to create anything of note. A bad pass to Ozil wasted a chance on the break and that summed up his night. He lacked conviction in the final third.

  • Karim Benzema
    86
    13
    4.00

    Karim Benzema

    Ended a run of four games without a goal as he tapped home from Callejon's pass in the first-half. He proved to be a real nuisance for the Valladolid defence despite relatively poor service.

Substitutions

  • Raphaël Varane
    55
    8
    2.50

    Raphaël Varane

    Brought on for Benzema in the 73rd minute to tighten things up at the back and was effective in seeing the game out.

  • Luka Modric
    162
    13
    3.50

    Luka Modric

    Came on for Arbeloa in the 62nd minute and instantly offered a greater degree of creativity in the midfield.

  • Ángel Di María
    63
    17
    3.50

    Ángel Di María

    Replaced Nacho at half-time and instantly provided a more direct option in the wide areas. He put some decent crosses into the area and help instigate the Madrid comeback.

Results
 
Player Ratings
Tournament
Position
Ranking
Top Scorers
Player   Goals Penalties
Lionel Messi Lionel Messi
Striker
Barcelona
46 4
Cristiano Ronaldo Cristiano Ronaldo
Striker
Real Madrid
34 6
Radamel Falcao Radamel Falcao
Striker
Atlético de Madrid
28 8
Roberto Soldado Roberto Soldado
Striker
Valencia
21 5
Negredo Negredo
Striker
Sevilla
20 3