Real Madrid player ratings vs Espanyol: Benzema runs riot

Left Winger- Vinicius Junior- 7/10

Vinicius Junior had a quiet day, certainly a rare occasion for him. The 18-year-old was not at the top of his game for some reason and could not even showcase his speed, which could have been very handy against a leaky Espanyol defence and with Karim Benzema in top form. Nonetheless, he was deserved subbed off for Gareth Bale shortly after the hour mark. Vinicius might not be a regular anymore given that Bale and Asensio are now back, but he surely has to be proud with how consistently and well he has delivered of late.

Striker- Karim Benzema- 9.5/10

Karim Benzema was the man of the match and performed spectacularly in his second match on the bounce. The French striker grabbed a brace in the first half to take his tally to eight league goals, played out five key passes and completed four of the five dribbles which he had attempted. Benzema would have gotten a few assists as well were it not for bad finishing from his teammates. The 31-year-old has now matched Hugo Sanchez’s record of Real Madrid’s goals, and his next target will be to surpass Ferenc Puskas.

Right Winger- Lucas Vazquez- 8/10

Lucas Vazquez is Santiago Solari’s favourite and got another run to get his name etched into the manager’s good books. It was a rather special match for the 27-year-old, who spent a loan spell at Espanyol but this time he did the work for Real Madrid, and amazingly so. Vazquez’s work rate is absolutely unquestionable and he repeated his exploits from the previous matches all over again on Sunday evening. He defended, attacked and ran about as and when needed. His involvement in the fourth goal was huge and he was awarded with its assist.