Pass and fail: Kroos and Modric have no spare

Courtois: He made a save at 58 'that saved Madrid and could do nothing to stop the header from Elche's goal.

Lucas Vazquez: The system of three centers and two long lanes benefited him, at least a priori. Because the Galician hardly worried in attack, many times because he missed a partner in the band when he had up to two defenders ahead. It improved with the entry of Rodrygo.

Varane: Elche hardly disturbed in attack, so while Zidane kept the three centrals, the Frenchman came to occupy extreme positions in some isolated play. He missed the mark in Elche's goal.

Bouquets: He was very protected by the line of three centrals that Zidane lined up and did not suffer excessively. He had agreed with Zidane to play only the first 60 minutes.

Nacho: He finished almost as a forward in the minutes in which Madrid needed to come back. Before, with the line of three backs, a lot had also been incorporated. Right on defense.

Mendy: He had a clear chance in the first minutes in which instead of kicking he tried a back pass that did not come out. Very imprecise with the ball at his feet, one of his weakest games this season.

Casemiro: Once again the best of Madrid. In the first part at least he tried to reach finishing zones and put another speed. He brushed the goal in several plays in which he reached the rival area.

Valverde: He missed a pass that could cost dearly in the first half. He appeared in attack with danger on one occasion, although it was not his best game. Without Modric or Kroos at his side, he suffers to be the reference in the middle.

Isco: Flat, thick, without rhythm or ideas. He missed another good opportunity to rejoin the team, because with an Elche so far behind the game asked for his fantasy between the lines. There was no sign of the man from Malaga. Replaced in the 62nd minute.

Vinicius: The only one who faced in the first part. The few plays that got out of the flat tone of the first act, were born from his boots. He generated a very clear opportunity after a good run on the right, but Benzema wasted it.

Benzema: From less to more. In the first half, a very clear chance was missed by Vinicius' pass. In the second act he sang and rescued Madrid with his two goals, the first with a header from a corner and the second with a strong shot in discount.

Modric: The Croatian is fundamental in this team right now. When he came out, the flat rhythm at which Madrid was playing changed. The first white goal was born from his boots, with a good center that Benzema finished off.

Kroos: Like Modric, the German does not have a replacement in the squad right now. He put criteria in the center of the field and his filtered passes and changes of orientation opened spaces that until now Real Madrid had not found.

Rodrygo: He brought depth down the right wing and left a good cross that Vinicius did not reach by millimeters to score at will.

Hazard: He had a little more than a quarter of an hour that should help him start to get feelings for the final stretch of the championship.