Even though Carlo Ancelotti’s summer acquisition was unable to score, the league favourites still managed to pull out a sloppy victory.

 

Real Madrid must find a way to win when Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., and Rodrygo are not performing. On Sunday, despite Blancos’ lacklustre effort, Brahim Diaz and Federico Valverde scored two vital goals. The 3-0 victory was sealed when Endrick came off the bench to score the game-winning goal for Real.

For large chunks of the first half, Madrid looked to be lacking Jude Bellingham’s presence in the middle of the pitch, who was out with an injury. Mbappe showed sparks with deft behind-the-back dashes and an acrobatic shot that the custodian had to cleanly save. Despite this, the home team managed to get only one shot on goal in the first half.

After the break, Los Blancos continued to show tremendous improvement, just like in the first game of the season. A relieved Santiago Bernabeu finally got his team’s goal as Valverde’s deflected free-kick fizzed into the bottom corner.

With fifteen minutes to spare, it ought to have been three or four. Mbappe had two excellent opportunities but failed to capitalise, and Vinicius Jr. was denied a tap-in due to Rodrygo’s ill-advised cross. Brahim Diaz, a substitute, eventually put the game out of reach. As time ran out in the second half, Endrick scored a stunning third goal, giving Ancelotti’s team their first victory of the year.

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.