Real Madrid edge Espanyol to build momentum ahead of next week’s final against crosstown rivals Atletico.

Real Madrid

Iker Casillas: 3.5/5

Rarely touched the ball in the first forty five minutes but was quick to deny Stuani early on in the second half. As the game went on, Iker comfortably dealt with everything that came at him. Couldn’t have done anything for Espanyol’s late goal.

Dani Carvajal: 3.75/5

Carvajal showed exactly why he was included in Spain’s preliminary squad, with a commanding performance. Broke with pace at every opportunity and remained solid at the back. Substituted at half-time with an eye at next week’s final.

Raphael Varane: 3.75/5

An imposing performance by the young Frenchman, who finally looks to have recovered from his long term injury. He shut down Cordoba and Pizzi on numerous occasions.

Sergio Ramos: 4.5/5

Yet another masterful performance by Sergio Ramos. Despite playing in defense, Ramos managed to have the most shots on goal. He charged forward on every opportunity and played a large part in Real’s second goal.

Marcelo: 3.5/5

Despite having a disappointing second half of the season, the Brazilian looks to have regained some form in the last few games. A classic performance from Marcelo that included surging runs and dangerous crosses.

Asier Illarramendi: 4.75/5 (Man of the Match)

Many fingers were pointed at the young Basque last week, when Real fell to Celta. Ancelotti however reiterated his confidence in the youngster and re-installed him in the starting lineup against Espanyol. Illarra did his Champions League final hopes no damage, by putting in his best performance in a white shirt. Xabi-esque long passes with passing percentage of 93% coupled with 5 tackles and 4 interceptions showed exactly why he will replace Alonso against Atletico.

Sami Khedira: 3.5/5

Khedira showed his importance for the side, displaying great strength and defensive stability. He was substituted after 63 minutes for a more attack minded Modric.

Isco: 3.5/5

After initially being left out of the starting lineup, Isco replaced an injured Ronaldo. He played a deeper role, sprayed out passes and got forward often.

Angel Di Maria: 4.5/5

Di Maria capped off an incredible season, by adding to his assist tally. The Argentine finished La Liga with a chart topping 17 assists. After sliding the ball through to Morata in the 85th minute, he unselfishly set up the Castilla graduate once again in the 92nd minute.

Gareth Bale: 4/5

After a rather subdued first half, the Welshman did excellently to latch on to Benzema’s pass and open the scoring

Karim Benzema: 4/5

A great return from injury for the Frenchman, as his movement and passing had a certain sting to it. He nearly scored the goal of the season after beating three defenders to only be denied by Casilla. He later provided a sublime assist for Madrid’s first. Was later subbed off with an apparent groin injury.

Substitutes:

Alvaro Arbeloa: 2.75/5

Came on at half time for Carvajal. Failed to make an impact on the game, as he appeared clearly inferior to his younger compatriot.

Luka Modric: 3.5/5

Replaced Khedira to give the team another attacking outlet.

Alvaro Morata: 4.25/5

Scored twice late on, to take his goal tally to 8 for the season.

Espanyol:

Kiko Casilla: 4/5

Did well to keep Madrid at bay for 64 minutes, couldn’t do much more.

Javi López: 3.5/5

Put in a solid shift at right-back and kept Marcelo and Bale in check for most of the game.

Diego Collotto: 3/5

Made quite a few last ditch tackles to deny Benzema and Bale, but in the end didn’t have enough to keep the clean sheet.

Héctor Moreno: 2.5/5

His lack of pace was apparent as Bale and Di Maria often broke costless.

Fuentes: 2.75/5

Started the game well but was ultimately overwhelmed by the likes of Di Maria and Carvajal.

David López: 3/5

Remained solid in defense but failed to affect the game offensively.

Víctor Sánchez: 2.75

Sánchez had a constant battle with Illarra, and often finished second best. Was subbed off in 66th minute for Alex Fernandez.

Christian Stuani: 3/5

The Uruguayan pressed forward on multiple occasions but was unable to make a dent on a solid Madrid back line.

Abraham: 2.5/5

Failed to have an impact on the game, which often seemed too fast for him.

Simão: 3.25

Squandered a glorious chance to put Espanyol ahead. Was a constant threat with pin-point passes and direct runs.

Sergio García: 4/5

Was Espanyol’s best player by some distance. Set up his teammates on more than one occasion, only to see them miss. Ultimately threaded a ball for Pizzi for a late consolation goal.

Substitutes:

Jhon Córdoba: 2.5/5

Came on in the 63rd minute to try and cause Real problems with his pace. He was however shut down by Varane on numerous occasions.

Pizzi: 3/5

Scored a late consolation goal.

Álex: 2.75/3

Replaced Sánchez in the 66thminute. Like his predecessor, he failed to have any impact on the game.
 

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