Player Ratings: Real Madrid 3-1 Zaragoza

Little to do and blameless for the goal, but did make one fine save from Postiga late in the game.

Was starting only his second game since returning from injury and was easily beaten by Aranda in the first goal. Played a lovely ball through the Zaragoza defence to find Kaka as Madrid levelled the scores, though, and made one vital clearance almost on his goal line in the second period.

Lost Lafita for Zaragoza's goal, but looked otherwise solid. Put in a great ball at the other end as Madrid sought a leveller in the first half. Made one careless clearance in his area, but recovered well. Was beaten on the wing by Lafita at the end of the first half but had little to do in the second period.

Got forward well from the outset and went charging into the area later on, but there was just too much on Kaka's cross. Then set up his compatriot for a great chance but the former AC Milan man screwed his shot wide. Cut out one dangerous ball from Luis Garcia at the other end.

Lively again following his excellent contribution in Barcelona on Wednesday, the German set up Benzema for a great chance after 20 minutes. Had a great free-kick glanced just wide by Kaka midway through the first period, then set up Ronaldo for the goal with a pinpoint cross. Smashed the ball past Roberto for the third goal.

In the side once again and looked bright in midfield. Appealed for a penalty when he went down in the area after 16 minutes, but there was no foul. Blasted a long-range effort just over the bar shortly afterwards. Wonderful cross for Benzema late in the first half which the Frenchman was unable to control. Tame shot straight at Roberto in second half. Participated in the second and third goals and looks to have a future at Madrid after all.

Some great passing from deep positions as usual and some incisive balls into the Zaragoza area as well. Also put in some good defensive work but ended up injured and headed straight down the tunnel. Madrid will hope it's nothing serious.

Decent defending and looked good going forward as well. Screwed one long-range effort off target but participated a lot and used his skills to get him out of trouble on occasions.

Shot just wide with an early free-kick, then produced a great cross a little later to set up Benzema for a header. Headed over the bar himself from a Kaka cross short of the half-hour mark. Was then off target with a free-kick from 20 yards late in the first period. Finished off a wonderful team move to make it 2-1 in the second period, had a penalty appeal turned down and was also booked for a late challenge on Obradovic.

Should have done better with a header early on, when he glanced across goal. Saw a shot blocked on 20 minutes after he was set up by Ozil. Unable to control a great Granero cross late in the first period. Participated in the lovely move for Cristiano's goal and looked lively all night until he was replaced by Higuain.

Did well to cut out a cross from Ronaldo with Benzema lurking early on. Also alert as he came off his line well to cut out a dangerous ball from Kaka for Marcelo, but possibly should have saved Ozil's shot at his near post as Madrid made it 3-1.

Made one good clearance in his own area late in his own half and set up Postiga for a good chance with a lovely through-ball in the second period, but was caught out of position on numerous occasions as Madrid stretched the visitors.

Went in hard on Cristiano with his elbow and gave away a free-kick just outside the area which he will have been relieved to see hit wide. Over-eager at times when he had more time than he thought. Unable to deal with Madrid's movement for the most part.

Caught out of position for the third goal and on other occasions as well, as he failed to cope with the threat of Benzema and Cristiano, in particular.

Given a tough time by Benzema and Ozil in the left-back role and was unable to cut out the German's supply-line as he set up Cristiano for the leveller. Was hacked down on a good run forward by Ronaldo and the Portuguese was booked.

Did a lot of good defensive work and did very well to get in a block on Benzema's shot after 20 minutes. Failed to track Kaka for the Brazilian's goal, however.

A recent signing from Malaga, Apono worked tirelessly in midfield and put in a series of tackles and blocks. Didn't add much in terms of creativity, though.

Got away from Carvalho and did well to set up Lafita for Zaragoza's surprise opener, but a quiet night otherwise for the former Levante forward.

Played one ball too close to Carvalho when Zaragoza looked to be on for a good counterattack, but put in some good defensive work and distracted Benzema as Granero looked to set up the Frenchman. And it was his quickly taken free-kick which led to Zaragoza's goal.

Good movement up front. Got into a good position early on but was crowded out. However, he was on hand to give Zaragoza a shock lead with a simple finish after 10 minutes. Beat Pepe on the wing just before the interval but saw his cross cleared. Then blasted wide from distance in the second half when he should have passed. Zaragoza's best player - in general and on the night.