Real Madrid player ratings vs. Alaves: Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior & Rodrygo run riot but sloppy Blancos nearly throw it away in nervy La Liga victory
Carlo Ancelotti's side followed a fantastic first half with a poor second, and were perhaps fortunate to run out winners
The Madrid opener came from an unlikely source, Lucas Vazquez sweeping Vinicius' cutback into the bottom corner. Mbappe made it two shortly before half time, a quick interchange with Jude Bellingham leading to an easy finish for Los Blancos' big summer signing.
Rodrygo scored the third shortly after half time, sliding one through the keeper's legs after far too easily evading two Alaves defenders. Endrick came close to adding a fourth within minutes of entering the fray, his deflected shot pinging off the post.
Alaves stuck around, though. Carlos Protesoni grabbed the first, curling one off the post from outside the box. Veteran Kike Garcia added a second two minutes later, setting up a nervy finish. Los Blancos held on, though, some smart defending securing a win that turned out to be far from easy.
GOAL rates Madrid's players from Santiago Bernabeu...
Goalkeeper & Defence
Thibaut Courtois (5/10):
Nothing to do until the 85th minute, when he was beaten by a long range strike. Couldn't stop the second either.
Lucas Vazquez (5/10):
Scored the opener with a smart finish. Gave it away for the Alaves first, and could have been tighter on the second.
Antonio Rudiger (7/10):
A few nice bursts of pace halted opposing attacks. Can't be blamed for either goal, really.
Eder Militao (7/10):
Spent most of his time passing the ball sideways, and had very little defensive work to do. Madrid were markedly worse at the back when he went off.
Ferland Mendy (6/10):
Went about his usual shielding role with aplomb. His defensive cover allowed Vinicius to do all of the fun attacking things.
Midfield
Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):
Recycled possession and passed it forward when he needed in the first half - probably his best 45 minutes of the season. Followed it with an unsteady second.
Federico Valverde (8/10):
Never stopped running. Won the ball deep, got involved in the final third. A fine shift.
Jude Bellingham (7/10):
Held onto the ball for too long at times, but was more decisive when it mattered. Combined wonderfully with Mbappe for the second. Less effective - and perhaps a bit tired - in the second half.
Attack
Vinicius Jr (8/10):
Spent most of the game making opponents look very silly. Assisted the opener. Unlucky not to grab a goal of his own.
Kylian Mbappe (8/10):
Was a more willing runner than in past weeks. Took advantage of the acres of space offered to him by opposing defenders. Dropped deep and connected well, when needed. Much, much better.
Rodrygo (8/10):
Held width, stayed patient, got his goal. Did some important defensive work, too. Still playing out of position, but was incisive when it counted.
Subs & Manager
Endrick (5/10):
Hit the post within minutes of coming on. Could have been sent off for a reckless kick.
Luka Modric (5/10):
Lacking defensively, didn't add much going forward.
Jesus Vallejo (3/10):
A rare appearance to give Militao a rest. Had a nightmarish 15 minutes.
Arda Guler (N/A):
Made a couple of vital defensive interventions late.
Fran Garcia (N/A):
Late legs for Vini.
Carlo Ancelotti (5/10):
What a confusing one! His side were rampant in the first half, but so, so poor after the break. A few more minutes on the clock and they really could have throw it away. He won't be happy whatsoever.
Wow
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