SD Huesca 1-2 Real Madrid: Player ratings as a Raphael Varane brace bags comeback win

Real Madrid had to rely on two goals from defender Raphael Varane to come away from bottom of the table Huesca with three points, and momentarily jump above Barcelona to second in La Liga.

Los Blancos grew into the game after a surprisingly bright start from their hosts but, for all their possession, chances came at a premium against a very rigid and organised Huesca side. Karim Benzema's effort just after the half hour mark was the one moment of note, as his strike forced Alvaro Fernandez into a very good stop.

Huesca replicated their blistering start to the first period and instantly peppered the Madrid goal in the second. In between Mikel Rico and Rafa Mir efforts hitting the bar, Los Aragoneses deservedly found a breakthrough in the 48th minute when a Shinji Okazaki cross was finished phenomenally by Javi Galan.

Los Blancos reacted well, though, and found an equaliser just six minutes later. Benzema's wonderful free kick cannoned off the crossbar and eventually dropped to Varane, who nodded home to make it 1-1.

The visitors continued to push as Benzema saw several efforts brilliantly saved, but, in the end, it was a Kroos free kick headed back across goal by Casemiro that allowed Varane to bundle in his second with six minutes left on the clock.

Let's get to your Real Madrid player ratings.

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Thibaut Courtois (GK) - 8/10 - The Belgian looked confident and composed with the ball, while also claiming crosses well. Could do nothing about the goal, and made an unbelievable save to keep the scores level at 1-1.

Alvaro Odriozola (RB) - 3/10 - A woeful start to the game for the Spaniard, who looked petrified every time the ball came to him. Eventually found his feet but was so often caught out of position and had no impact going forward.

Raphael Varane (CB) - 9/10 - Covered his centre back partner brilliantly with his pace, making five clearances. But the Frenchman will remember the game for his brace that won Real the game.

Nacho (CB) - 6/10 - Had big boots to fill in Sergio Ramos' absence, but did well. He was outmuscled a couple of times by Mir but, overall, defended very solidly.

Ferland Mendy (LB) - 7/10 - The Frenchman was fantastic going forward, completing four dribbles and achieving a 91% pass accuracy. Didn't have too many defensive responsibilities as Huesca targeted the other flank.

2. Midfielders

Casemiro (DM) - 9/10 - Another accomplished outing as the screen to the back four. The Brazilian won possession nine times, while also providing the header that led to his side's winner.

Toni Kroos (CM) - 7/10 - Very solid performance form the German as he sustained attacking phases with a ridiculous passing ability, achieving a pass accuracy of 96%.

Luka Modric (CM) - 7/10 - It's hard to believe this man is 35 years old. One of the sharpest and quickest players on the field and just glided through Huesca's lines like poetry in motion.

3. Forwards

Marco Asensio (RW) - 6/10 - Fairly quiet throughout, but a satisfactory game for the winger. Won several fouls with bright movement and control in promising areas, including the free kick that led to the equaliser.

Karim Benzema (ST) - 7/10 - Always looked likely to create something as he picked out space between the lines and had several efforts on goal. It was his brilliant free kick that led to the equaliser, but somehow the Frenchman couldn't find a goal himself.

Vinicius Junior (LW) - 7/10 - Very bright and dangerous as nearly all of Real's attacks went down his side. The 20-year old made one key pass and drew four fouls - a valuable contribution.

4. Substitutes

Marcelo (LB) - 7/10

Mariano (ST) - N/A

Marvin (RB) - N/A