Real Madrid 3-0 APOEL: Player Ratings

Real Madrid began the defense of their Champions League with a not flamboyant but effective 3-0 win over APOEL.

A brace from Ronaldo in either half, and a Sergio Ramos overhead kick in YB second half gave the Los Blancos the three points.

APOEL rarely threatened and Madrid found have scored more goals if they had been more clinical in front of goal.

Here's our ratings of the Real Madrid players:

Keylor Navas

Made a great save early into the match to keep Madrid in the game. Other than that he was undisturbed all through. (6)

Dani Carvajal

He would spent a better part of the match in the APOEL half, was neat and tidy defensively. He had lot of the ball in an attacking position, but his crosses weren't making the perfect connection.  (7)

Nacho

An impressive defensive display from the Spaniard. Made little or no mistake throughout the game. (7)

Sergio Ramos

A commanding all round performance from captain fantastic. He was solid defensively, and had just one moment of defensive scare, but capped off a brilliant display with a goal. (7)

Marcelo

A vintage display from the Brazilian. Excellent efforts as he was rarely threatened defensively. (6.5)

Casemiro

Excellent defensive showing from Casemiro. He made a number of key tackles and provided a defensive shield to the back four. (6.5)

Luka Modric

Kept things moving in the midfield. Connected the midfield to attack with his passes. Had a number of goal probing shots blocked. (7)

Matteo Kovacic

His short stay on the pitch was effective. Moved well with the ball and his link up play was impressive. Unfortunately had to be substituted midway through the first half because of an hamstring injury. (7)

Isco

Another scintillating display from the Spanish international who played a key role in the first goal. His movement and dribbles were good for the eyes, but some of his passes in the final third let him down a number of times. (7)

Gareth Bale

He assisted the first goal and played a key role in the third. An improvement on his league performances, but still disappointed at some crucial points. (7)

Cristiano Ronaldo

A man of the match display from the returning Portuguese stamped with a brace. He was denied a hat-trick by the offside and the goal line technology. He showed he is more than capable of playing as the team's main striker. Missed a number of chances though. (8.5)

Substitutes

Toni Kroos

Came on for the injured Kovacic. And kept possession well. A very decent night for the German. (7)

Dani Caballos

Came on very late, but showed glimpses of brilliance. Was calm and composed on his Champions League debut. (6)

Mayoral

Scored a goal that was rightfully ruled out for offside. (5)