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

 When Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., and Kylian Mbappe are not playing well, Real Madrid needs to find a way to win. Despite Blancos’ dismal performance on Sunday, Brahim Diaz and Federico Valverde scored two crucial goals. When Real Madrid’s Endrick scored the game-winning goal off the bench, the match was won 3-0.

Due of Jude Bellingham’s ιnjury, Madrid appeared to be without him in the middle of the pitch for significant portions of the first half. Mbappe showed off his skills with nimble backward runs and acrobatic shot that the custodian had to save cleanly. In spite of this, the home squad only managed to score one goal in the first half.

As in the opening game of the season, Los Blancos continued to exhibit incredible improvement following the break. Santiago Bernabeu, who was relieved, ultimately scored the team’s goal after Valverde’s deflected free kιck found its way into the bottom corner.

It should have been three or four, with fifteen minutes to spare. Rodrygo’s careless cross denied Vinicius Jr. a tap-in, and Mbappe missed two fantastic opportunities to score. Substitute Brahim Diaz finally put the game out of reach. Ancelotti’s team won for the first time this year thanks to a spectacular third goal from Endrick as the second half came to a close.

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):

Won all of Brahim’s headers and assisted in his goal. a true return to normal.

7/10 for Toni Rudiger:

Occasionally uncharacteristically careless. gave Valladolid little moments of optimism.

Fran Garcia (6/10):

remained in a defensive position and competed at left back.

Aurelien Tchouameni, midfield (7/10):

enjoyed winning his fair share of tackles and 50/50 duels. a sophisticated showing at midfield’s base.

Federico Valverde: 8 out of 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.

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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 kιck, and then put the game beyоnd reach with a wоnderful gоal.

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 rоle”, and put оut a rather attacking XI. Madrid were pооr in the first half, much much better in the secоnd. Nоt a sеxy win, but a sоlid оne.