Tops
Gerónimo Rulli imperial
If Villarreal managed to snatch the point of the draw this Saturday afternoon, it is largely thanks to their goalkeeper.
Gerónimo Rulli was simply imperial in his cages, repelling in turn the attempts of Vinicius Jr and Gareth Bale, on Real Madrid's dazzling defensive-offensive transitions, or even Toni Kroos, from afar and on a placed attack.
Decisive, the former Montpellier goalkeeper has reason to be satisfied with his performance.
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LiveBefore facing PSG, Real concede a draw against Villarreal
Very active Vinicius Jr
Closely watched by the Villarreal defence, Vinicius Jr still managed to stand out on Saturday afternoon.
The Brazilian, very enterprising on his left side, was at the origin or the conclusion of most of Real Madrid's clear chances.
His activity would undoubtedly have deserved to be rewarded with a goal (58th) or an assist – especially for Gareth Bale (55th, 64th) – but the successive stops by Gerónimo Rulli will have finally supplanted his initiatives.
A good game overall which augurs well for the shock against Paris Saint-Germain next Tuesday.
SEE ALSO -
The best of Vinicius Jr at Real Madrid
flops
Madrid's lack of realism Uninspired
offensively in the first period, Real Madrid woke up after the break.
Carlo Ancelotti's men were more accurate in their transmissions, smarter in their movements, more active in pressing to find flaws in Villarreal's defensive system.
Whether through Vinicius Jr or Gareth Bale - who came out of the closet this Saturday afternoon - or even Luka Jovic, the people of Madrid had clear chances to shake the nets of Gerónimo Rulli but their obvious lack of realism in the last gesture prevented from getting the three points.
Good news for Paris Saint-Germain who face Real Madrid next Tuesday?
Read alsoLiga: Ancelotti (Real Madrid), "worried" because "the team did not want"
Marcelo in the tough
Captain of the day, Marcelo - without shining - was rather comfortable offensively.
Much less defensively.
Directly opposed to the twirling Samuel Chukwueze, the Brazilian suffered the incessant percussions of the Nigerian in the first half.
In great difficulty, the left side could have harmed his team.
Tuesday, against Paris Saint-Germain, it is quite possible that Ferland Mendy – if he is available – will start in his place on the left side of the Madrid defense.
