5 Madrid major stars in Viktoria Plzen win and one disappointment: player ratings

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5 Madrid major stars in Viktoria Plzen win and one disappointment: player ratings

Toni Kroos, 6 

'After a rest at the weekend, Kroos was the most energetic of Madrid's midfield four. One laser-guided through-ball saw Gareth Bale find the net, although the flag was up.'

Nacho, 6 

'Preferred to out-of-form Raphael Varane in the XI, Nacho made a couple of last-gasp blocks late on to stop Plzen from an equaliser that possibly could have brought the stadium down.'

Gareth Bale, 6 

'Another who looked well below match fitness, very wary of breaking into a sprint. Laid on Marcelo's goal with a neat back-flick, and could easily have had a couple himself, while always playing well within himself.'

Karim Benzema, 7 

'Opened the scoring with an excellent back-post header early on, so he has been on the score sheet in the Champions League in each of the past 14 seasons, which is an incredible record for a player who still has his doubters at the Bernabeu.'

Fede Valverde, 8 

'A first Bernabeu appearance for the 20-year-old Uruguayan, and immediate impression with an interception and driving run to lead to Marcelo's goal. Generally showed up his elders with energy and imagination during his half-hour run.'

Isco, 4 

'Missed a simple chance for 2-0, then whistled for standing and watching after passing straight to an opponent. Taken off early in the second half and clearly not yet back to full sharpness following his appendix operation.'

Other players mostly receive the five marks while Keylor Navas, who didn't have much to do, and Marcelo, the match-winner, both receive the six marks.

AuthorMaggie K.SourceESPN FC
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