Player Ratings: Real Madrid 1-0 Villarreal

Real Madrid

Iker Casillas - 8 - Excellent game by Casillas. Had long periods of inactivity, but came up with some spectacular saves when needed.

Sergio Ramos - 7 - A fairly solid game from the right back, who measured his attacks well, going forward enough but not leaving yawning gaps at the back.

Pepe - 8 - Had an immense game at the back, giving Villarreal no joy until a comical missed clearance in the dying minutes.

Fabio Cannavaro - 6 - Did well in the first half, but in the second his marking left a lot to be desired, as Villarreal were treated to a series of free headers.

Gabriel Heinze - 7 - One of Heinze's better games. Solid at the back, and got forward with intent.

Lassana Diarra -  8 - A highly encouraging start by Diarra, who performed exactly the same role that his namesake usually does. Looked full of running and did not lose fitness as the game wore on.

Fernando Gago - 7 - An excellent first half, but gave his opponents far too much space in the second.

Wesley Sneijder - 7 - Orchestrated some great attacks, but his finishing was poor.

Arjen Robben - 9 - By far the best player on the pitch, and was the difference between the sides. Scored one of the goals of the season.

Klaas Jan Huntelaar - 6 - An unspectacular debut. Held the ball up well at times, but missed one great chance to open his account.

Raúl - 7 - Played a decent role as a supporting striker, created a few chances for others, but did not get into many goalscoring positions himself.

Subs

Royston Drenthe - 7 - A very lively performance. Gave Villarreal plenty to worry about when they wanted to attack. If only he could finish...

Rafael Van Der Vaart - 5 - Wasn't on for long, but was largely anonymous as an auxiliary forward.

Christoph Metzelder - N/A.

Villarreal

Diego López - 9 - A good game at his old ground, saved everything he could, and was helpless for the goal.

Ángel - 6 - Attack is usually the best form of defence for him, but did not get forward enough.

Gonzalo Rodríguez - 8 - The only member of Villarreal's backline who can be proud of his performance. Did not put a foot wrong and won most of his challenges.

Diego Godín - 7 - Looked calm and assured at times, but also made too many mistakes at the wrong time.

Joan Capdevila - 6 - Failed to keep Robben in check, although he did provide a threat of his own down the left flank in the second half.

Marcos Senna - 5 - An unusually poor performance. Didn't shut down the space in midfield, and played a couple of very poor passes.

Sebastian Eguren - 6 - Tried hard but made a few mistakes, and missed a great chance to equalize right at the death.

Santi Cazorla - 6 - A quiet game from the Spanish international. Had a few chances but his shots were tame.

Robert Pires - 6 - Drifted in and out of the game. Looked dangerous at times, but not consistently enough.

Nihat - 5 - Hardly got a sniff in the first half, but was not very well supported either.

Giuseppe Rossi - 6 - Didn't have too many opportunities. His header may have been brilliantly saved, but he should have put it wide of the keeper.

Subs

Joseba Llorente - 6 - Looked lively in the second half, but his finishing was poor.

Ariel Ibagaza - 5 - Was brought on to add some creativity, but failed to create anything significant.

Cani - 5 - Didn't have much time to make an impact.

--Arjun Miglani, Goal.com