Carlo Ancelotti's big summer signing failed to find the net, but the league favourites ground out a sloppy win When Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo...
Carlo Ancelotti's big summer signing failed to find the net, but the league favourites ground out a sloppy win
When Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappe go quiet, Real Madrid have to be able to turn somewhere. And on Sunday, in the middle of a poor Blancos performance, Federico Valverde and Brahim Diaz stepped up to score a pair of crucial goals. Endrick then stepped off the bench to open his Real account and cap off a 3-0 win.
As in their season opener, though, Los Blancos improved immensely after the break. Valverde eventually found the breakthrough, his deflected free-kick fizzing into the bottom corner - much to the relief of a restless Santiago Bernabeu.
It really should have been three or four with 15 minutes remaining. Mbappe missed a couple of good chances, while Rodrygo's fluffed cross saw Vinicius Jr deprived of a tap-in. Eventually, substitute Brahim Diaz put the game beyond reach. Endrick buried an impressive third in second half stoppage time, giving Ancelotti's side their first win of the season.
Goalkeeper & Defence
Thibaut Courtois (7/10):
Made a couple of key saves to ensure that his side didn't slip up.
Dani Carvajal (6/10):
Didn't get forward much, and was caught napping on a few occasions. Not his best showing.
Eder Militao (8/10):
Assisted Brahim's goal, won all of his tackles and headers. A real return to form.
Toni Rudiger (7/10):
Uncharacteristically sloppy at times. Gave Valladolid hope here and there.
Fran Garcia (6/10):
Stayed put in a shielding role and held his own at left-back.
Midfield
Aurelien Tchouameni (7/10):
Relished his 50-50 duels, and won his fair share of tackles. A classy display at the base of midfield.
Federico Valverde (8/10):
Full of legs in central midfield, and put out fires all over the place. Opened the scoring for his team.
Arda Guler (7/10):
Enjoyed some bright moments in central midfield, and put three shots on target. Some of his link-up play was lacking, though.
Rodrygo (5/10):
Made all of the right runs, but some of his quality on the ball was really lacking - highlighted by one poorly skewed cross.
Kylian Mbappe (5/10):
Wandered around a lot, and found space in the left channel. Will be frustrated that he missed a couple of good chances.
Vinicius Jr (7/10):
Lively as ever on the left. Created a few good chances, and made his man look silly on multiple occasions.
Subs & Manager
Brahim Diaz (7/10):
Barely had a kick, and then put the game beyond reach with a wonderful goal.
Luka Modric (7/10):
Broke out the usual array of turns and tricks. A calming presence.
Dani Ceballos (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Endrick (7/10):
Buried his first Madrid goal in second half stoppage time. Should be a real confidence boost.
Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):
Handed Guler a start in the usual "Bellingham role", and put out a rather attacking XI. Madrid were poor in the first half, much much better in the second. Not a sexy win, but a solid one.
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