Carlo Ancelotti’s big summer signing didn’t score, but the league leaders scraped out a poor win.

Real Madrid needs to have a plan B for when Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and Kylian Mbappe’s play slows down. Federico Valverde and Brahim Diaz scored two important goals on Sunday, even though Real Madrid had a bad game overall. Then Endrick came off the bench to score his first goal for Real and seal a 3-0 win.

During a lot of the first half, Madrid had trouble because they seemed to miss Jude Bellingham, who was hurt in centre. Some of Mbappe’s best plays were when he ran in behind and hit a shot that made the custodian make a nice save. Still, the home team only had one shot on goal in the first 45 minutes.

But, just like in their first game of the season, Los Blancos got much better after the break. Valverde finally scored when his deflected free kick went into the bottom corner, which made Santiago Bernabeu feel a lot better.

With fifteen minutes left, it should have been three or four. Mbappe missed a few good chances, and Vinicius Jr. missed a tap-in because Rodrygo mishandled a pass. Brahim Diaz, a replacement, finally put the game out of reach. Endrick scored a great third goal in the last minute of the second half to give Ancelotti’s team 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.

Attack

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.