Karim Benzema scored the only goal of the game as Real Madrid secured a narrow 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano.
The Frenchman latched on to a fine pass from Lucas Vazquez to fire home after initially spraying the ball out to the winger.
The La Liga victory at the Santiago Bernabeu took the hosts to within two points of city rivals Atletico Madrid.
Vallecano only threatened Madrid’s goal at the death but Santiago Solari’s side were able to see out the win.
Here, we analyse Vazquez’s performance.
STATISTICS
Shots – 1
Shots on target – 0
Key passes – 2
Passes – 65
Pass accuracy – 89.2%
Tackles – 4
Touches – 98
Unsuccessful touches – 3
30-SECOND REPORT
Vazquez was afforded a start on the right flank following some encouraging performances and didn’t disappoint. He was Madrid’s go-to option every time they were stifled through the middle.
Benzema pinged the ball out to him and darted into the box while Spaniard shuffled inside, onto his weaker foot before slipping a delicate pass through for the striker who scored with a strike on the swivel.
Vazquez’s work-rate was another plus as he tracked back superbly, making four tackles and one interception.
GOT RIGHT
Positioning – Vazquez is unlike any winger at Madrid. He’s more traditional in his positioning, hugging the touchline and generating width. That helps stretch the opposition’s defence and creates more space for the other attackers. The diagonal ball into him was a switch Madrid used often in this game.
Creativity – The Spaniard had the vision to thread a through ball into Benzema’s path inside the box for the goal. He also played a part in creating the chance for Toni Kroos, whose effort crashed off the post.
GOT WRONG
Holding the ball – Vazquez lost possession on a number of occasions when he needed to be stronger. He was fouled six times but was legally dispossessed twice while some poor touches saw the ball get away from him on five occasions.
Delivery – Despite proving to be a great outlet for his side on the right flank, he couldn’t capitalise on the space he was being afforded as none of his five crosses found a team-mate.
Karim Benzema benefited from Lucas Vazquez’s pass.
VERDICT
It wasn’t a breathtaking performance but Vazquez’s defensive work made Madrid’s right side more stable while he certainly offers his team something different going forward. His mere presence on the right flank is a tactical tool in itself and one he makes even more useful with his clever play in the final third.
RATING: 7/10
All statistics are compiled using whoscored.com