Rodrygo

Real Madrid player ratings: Rodrygo steals the show as Los Blancos come from behind to see off Sevilla with Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr out

Thomas Hindle
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Rodrygo 2022-23
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A double from Rodrygo rescued a forgettable performance from Los Blancos to seal a narrow win.

Rodrygo scored Madrid's equaliser and eventual winner, a brace that redeemed yet another flat showing from Los Blancos, giving his side a 2-1 win against Sevilla.

Neither side has much to play for at this point. Madrid are confined to second place, while Sevilla's focus is trained on the Europa League final midweek — a mindset clear in the home side's much-changed lineup.

Still, Sevilla didn't make things easy for Los Blancos. They took the lead early, with Rafa Mir latching onto a loose ball and guiding his shot into the roof of the net. The home side could've had a second, and hit the woodwork with Thibaut Courtois beaten.

Still, Madrid enjoyed extended spells of possession and eventually capitalised. In the 28th minute, Erik Lamela clipped Aurelien Tchouameni's heels outside the box. Rodrygo lashed home the ensuing free-kick.

The Brazilian was at it again in the 70th minute, winding through the Sevilla defence before coolly side-footing his finish past a frozen goalkeeper. Rodrygo has found his scoring touch of late, with three in his last two fixtures — a welcome return with Benzema out.

And although his fine vein of form will have little impact on Madrid's season, it has served as a much-needed boost for a side stumbling across the finish line.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan...

Editors' Picks

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence
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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Thibaut Courtois (6/10):

    Couldn't do much about Sevilla's goal. Not called into action otherwise.

    Lucas Vazquez (6/10):

    A solid shift, although Marcos Acuna got the better of him at times.

    Eder Miliato (5/10):

    Perhaps could have gotten rid of the ball in the build-up to Sevilla's opener. Needs a break.

    David Alaba (7/10):

    Made a couple of excellent recovery tackles and distributed well. In terrific form.

    Ferland Mendy (6/10):

    Working his way back into the side after a few months out. An agreeable performance with his Madrid future in jeopardy.

  2. Midfield
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    Midfield

    Aurelien Tchouameni (7/10):

    Won the free-kick that led to Madrid's equaliser. Made a rash tackle or two. Some encouraging moments, but he's still learning.

    Luka Modric (6/10):

    Finally looking tired. Didn't exert his usual influence on the game. Short of his lofty standards.

    Toni Kroos (6/10):

    Completed the most passes in the match, although he wasn't very expansive in his distribution.

  4. Attack
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    Attack

    Federico Valverde (5/10):

    Cut inside too often when Madrid sorely lacked width. Deservedly subbed after 54 mins.

    Rodrygo (9/10):

    Deployed in a central role, despite not liking the position. Scored two excellent goals. Do Madrid need to sign a striker this summer?

    Dani Ceballos (6/10):

    Looked very uncomfortable at a modified left-wing position. Much better in central midfield, where he had some nice moments. Clattered by Acuna.

  5. Subs & Manager

    Subs & Manager

    Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):

    Brought on to play left-midfield. Put in a good shift. Then moved to left-back, when he was even better.

    Alvaro Rodriguez (6/10):

    Perhaps unlucky not to start. Madrid had a far more obvious target when he was on.

    Nacho (N/A):

    No time to make an impact

    Antonio Rudiger (N/A):

    No time to make an impact.

    Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):

    Working with limited resources with Benzema and Vinicius out, but decided to play five central midfielders and a winger up front — a configuration that didn't exactly spell success. Was saved by the ever-improving Rodrygo to snatch three points on the road.