The teenage sensation under Carlo Ancelotti gave a remarkable performance in a victory that wasn’t as convincing as the score indicated.

Real Madrid defeated Leganes 3-0 on Sunday, with Arda Guler emerging as the true master craftsman despite goals from Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Federico Valverde. The Turkish teenager led an otherwise weak Madrid team that appeared to fall well short of their enormous potential with a masterclass in midfield.

Early on, Carlo Ancelotti’s team had a few half-chances, and Mbappe had the ball in the net but it was called offside. After squeezing past the Leganes defense, Guler, who had been given a rare start, also caused trouble and had a shot saved. Los Blancos had an otherwise mediocre start, at times appearing disoriented upfront and lethargic in their attempts to regain possession of the ball.

After a Bellingham tackle, Vinicius Jr. grabbed a loose ball and squared for Mbappe, who was unable to miss from close range, changing the course of events. Bellingham scored the game-winning third in the closing moments after Brahim Diaz’s deflected shot came nicely off the bar, and Valverde added a second after the interval by slamming home a free-kick at the near post.

Even if the score appeared to be favorable, Madrid struggled for extended periods of time here and could have suffered a defeat against a stronger and more expansive team. When they visit Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday, that will undoubtedly be put to the test.

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Goalkeeper & Defence

Thibaut Courtois (6/10):

Barely involved, other than to claim a few crosses.

Federico Valverde (7/10):

 

Smashed a free-kick into the bottom corner having been everywhere up and down the right side. This position might just suit him – especially when Madrid have the majority of the ball.

Antonio Rudiger (7/10):

Shepherded space effectively, and ensured that Garcia could maraud forward a little bit.

Raul Asencio (7/10):

An impressive first start from the 21-year-old, who looks right at home immediately.

Fran Garcia (6/10):

Although his work ethic is admirable, he occasionally left some significant gaps in his work.

Midfield

Eduardo Camavinga (6/10):

Solid all-round without being spectacular. Covered ground, cut passing lanes, and dribbled forward.

Dani Ceballos (5/10):

Rarely misplaced a pass, but spent most of the game just sort of being there.

Arda Guler (8/10):

Magical at times, full of creativity and energy. Madrid could have done with him being on the ball more.

Jude Bellingham (8/10):

ran it in central midfield, hands down. made several really good runs in midfield and won the ball back in the build-up to the opening goal. also scored the third. For a player being asked to play three positions at once, it’s not awful.

 

Attack

Kylian Mbappe (5/10):

Scored the opener, but was otherwise pretty woeful. Can’t seem to time a run and his defensive effort is nowhere to be found.

Vinicius Jr (7/10):

Probably his worst 30 minutes of the year to start things. Improved immensely after, assisting Mbappe and causing real problems. He’s the real star here, in truth.

Subs & Manager

Brahim Diaz (6/10):

Lively off the bench – perhaps unfortunate not to start.

Luka Modric (N/A):

Not a bad closer.

Endrick (N/A):

A rare cameo – although he certainly looked lively.

Carlo Ancelotti (6/10):

Demonstrated that Wednesday’s Champions League match at Anfield is a top priority by fielding a significantly altered lineup. Although Madrid occasionally played poorly, they did have a few truly outstanding individual moments, which was ultimately sufficient.