Real Madrid are back to the top of La Liga – for now at least – after securing a 3-1 victory over Villarreal. Here’s how their players got on at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Player ratings
Thibaut Courtois – 6.5
Made a brilliant 1-on-1 save to deny Tani Oluwaseyi in the first half, but aside of that, had little to do. Had no chance in stopping Georges Mikautadze’s goal.
Federico Valverde – 7
Much has been made of Valverde’s willingness, or lack there of, to play at right-back, but he was solid there against Villarreal.
Eder Militao – 6
Arguably his worst performance of the season. Struggled defensively at times, although his wonderful cross-field pass did lead to Real Madrid’s opening goal.
Dean Huijsen – 7
Solid performance on the whole, although there was a couple of occasions where he was beaten too easily.
Alvaro Carreras – 6.5
Good in the first half, but struggled after the interval when up against Nicolas Pepe.
Aurelien Tchouameni – 7
Dependable performance from Tchouameni, who continues to establish himself as a key player.
Dani Ceballos – 6.5
Solid enough from Ceballos before he was withdrawn on the hour mark.
Franco Mastantuono – 6.5
Tried hard, but without success. Should have scored in the first half, but he was denied by a fine block.
Arda Guler – 6
Very quiet, uncharacteristically so given his start to the season.
Vinicius Junior – 9
Standout performance from Vinicius, who scored twice – one of which was a penalty that he won. It was a display that was very reminiscent from before the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Kylian Mbappe – 7.5
Not at his best, but still walked away with a goal and assist. Real Madrid will hope that his injury concern is nothing serious.
Substitutes
Jude Bellingham – 6.5
Involved in most of the play during his 30-minute cameo, which was in stark contrast to Guler. Xabi Alonso will have a decision to make on those two after the international break.
Eduardo Camavinga – 6.5
Looked good on and off the ball during his time on the pitch.
Brahim Diaz – 6.5
Got the assist for Mbappe’s goal, and could have scored himself in the latter stages.
Rodrygo Goes – 6
Little time to make an impact.
About Author
