Real Madrid 2-0 Granada: Player Ratings as Los Blancos Win 5th Consecutive La Liga Game

A Casemiro header and a late Karim Benzema goal ensured Real Madrid maintained their winning streak with a 2-0 home victory over Granada in La Liga, moving momentarily level on points with leaders Atletico Madrid.

The first chance came within 30 seconds when Raphael Varane lost possession with a sloppy pass, only for Antonio Puertas to fluff his lines and sky the ball from ten yards out. The half continued at a breathless pace and both teams would find themselves with chances to break the deadlock through Benzema and Chelsea loanee Kenedy respectively, although neither could find the clinical touch.

Neither team slowed down after the interval as Roberto Soldado - yes, that one - created a chance within 30 seconds of the restart which was ultimately squandered. The hosts found their feet and composure thereafter and netted the opener through a towering Casemiro header after 57 minutes.

A defensive mix up gave Jorge Molina a gilt-edged chance to equalise against the run of play with 15 minutes to go, but the Spaniard couldn't capitalise. The visitors enjoyed a spell of pressure in the latter stages but couldn't find the leveller before Benzema clinched all three points with a last-minute goal for Los Blancos.

Right, let's get to the ratings.

REAL MADRID

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Thibaut Courtois (GK) - 6/10 - Didn't have much to do, but after a shaky start the Belgian did well with the tasks he was given. Made a good save right after his side went ahead to keep the score at 1-0.

Dani Carvajal (RB) - 8/10 - A solid performance defensively, making two tackles, but was more impressive in attack. Was dangerous every time he broke forward and made a few key passes for players ahead of him.

Raphael Varane (CB) - 5/10 - Put his colleagues at risk with really sloppy play on three occasions. Had to be bailed out by the experience of his centre-back partner.

Sergio Ramos (CB) - 7/10 - Read the game perfectly, making three interceptions and winning four aerial duels. Was crucial in keeping the clean sheet.

Ferland Mendy (LB) - 6/10 - The Frenchman was good going forward and combined well with the wingers down the left, and won possession back twice. A no-nonsense display.

2. Midfielders

Federico Valverde (CM) - 6/10 - The Uruguayan didn't have the best of games, but was always willing to make surging runs into the final third to open up space for his midfield partners. An uninspiring, but important, contribution.

Casemiro (CM) - 9/10 - Broke up play fantastically well, and got himself his third league goal of the season with a powerful leap and header in the second half. The Brazilian also provided the crucial block from Molina's effort with 15 to go.

Toni Kroos (CM) - 8/10 - Another truly class outing for the German. He made 77 passes in the match, and ended his night with 95% pass accuracy. He always seemed to find an accurate, forward ball despite being constantly pressed by his opposite numbers.

3. Forwards

Lucas Vazquez (RW) - 7/10 - The Spaniard was a thorn in the side of Granada's defence and found himself driving infield from the flank a few times.

Karim Benzema (ST) - 8/10 - Sealed the result with the last kick of the game to grab his eighth goal of the league season. Throughout the game the Frenchman was lively and his intelligent interplay created openings for teammates constantly.

Rodrygo (LW) - 6/10 - Was forced off after 37 minutes through injury. He might've been off earlier with a seemingly petulant kick out at Dimitri Foulquier which went unnoticed. Overall, the 19 year-old looked very bright in the final third, providing three key passes in his short time on the field.

4. Substitutes

Marco Asensio (LW) - 8/10 - Looked incredibly bright in the second half and was very unlucky not to score what would have been one of the goals of the season with an outrageous backheel, just before providing a wonderful assist for Casemiro's goal.

Isco (RW) - 6/10 - Didn't have much of an impact, but nabbed an assist for Benzema.

Vinicius Junior - 6/10