Real Madrid player ratings as Morata on target against Espanyol

Real Madrid beat Espanyol 2-0 on Sunday to strengthen their grip at the top of the league. Here are their player ratings: 

CASILLA (6) Spectator

Until the 61st minute, when he saved a weak Hernan Perez effort, he had little to do against his former side.

CARVAJAL (7) Serious

Played well although wasn't put under any great stress. 

PEPE (6) Bored

The Portuguese centre-back had little to do against a rival who didn't threaten. 

VARANE (6) Comfortable

A placid game from the Frenchman who, like Pepe, was part of a centre-back partnership who weren't tested. 

NACHO (7) Injured

Forced off with muscle pain in the 80th minute. Had done well until then, when he was replaced by Marcelo. 

KROOS (6) Defensive

A discrete performance from the German midfielder, who did not add a lot in attack. 

ISCO (7) Assists

Set up both the goals in a decent performance, for Alvaro Morata and Gareth Bale. 

KOVACIC (6) Black eye

Took a knock to the face from Diop and played the game with a plaster on his face where he was cut. May have a shiner on Sunday morning. 

LUCAS VÁZQUEZ (7) Incisive

Good performance from the former Espanyol player, who's proving an important part of Zidane's squad. 

MORATA (7) Goal

Opened the scoring with a header after good work from Isco. Almost scored a second, too, but could not take advantage of a Piatti error. 

CRISTIANO RONALDO (5) Sterile

Didn't contribute to either of the goals on a quiet afternoon after a good performance in midweek. 

SUBSTITUTES

CASEMIRO (6) Solid

Tried to follow up his midweek goal with another long range effort, but found the stands this time. 

BALE (8) Lethal

After three months out, he came back with a bang. Scored a great goal on the counter-attack. 

MARCELO (sc) Testimonial