Los Blancos won three points thanks to the Brazilian’s individual genius, but their play was subpar.

In an otherwise disappointing Real Madrid match, Vinicius Jr. gave an important moment of brilliance, helping Los Blancos to a meek 2-0 victory over Villareal. Federico Valverde and Vinicius made the difference to keep the pressure on Barcelona atop La Liga, despite Carlo Ancelotti’s team never really making an impression on the game. After a sluggish beginning, Los Blancos went ahead.

The magic moment came from Valverde, whose 30-yard attempt deflected somewhat lucky before looping into the bottom corner. In the first half, there were one or two more instances.  Mbappe was put through on goal by Vinicius Jr., but the Frenchman was unable to score. With 20 minutes remaining in the second half, the Brazilian gave the team some much-needed breathing room when he lashed the ball into the upper right corner from 25 yards out. After that, Madrid easily rotated and sat back, while Villarreal was unable to muster much of an attack. Still, there were some worries.  During stoppage time in the second half, Dani Carvajal was substituted with what looked to be a major knee injury, while Vinicius was clutching his shoulder. This was not a beautiful performance, to say it again. However, what matters most are the three points and brief moments of unique excellence.

 

Goalkeeper & Defence

Andriy Lunin (6/10):

Claimed a couple of crosses. Barely had a save to make.

Dani Carvajal (6/10):

Scampered up and down the wing with regularity, but his connection with Mbappe wasn’t always entirely smooth. Went off in real pain in second half stoppage time.

Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):

Very fortunate not to give away a penalty when Thierno Barry was adjudged to be offside in the buildup.

Antonio Rudiger (7/10):

Probably should have scored in the first half. Made a couple of key interventions in the second. Handled Barry well.

Ferland Mendy (6/10):

Didn’t have loads to do, and fulfilled his protective role for Vinicius effectively.

 

Midfield

Eduardo Camavinga (6/10):

Enjoyed 70 agreeable minutes as he works his way back to full fitness. Much better than his stinker in midweek.

Federico Valverde (8/10):

Scored the opener, and seemed to enjoy it quite a lot – even if there was a massive deflection involved. Assisted another, and was more expansive in his passing. A proper performance, with Toni Kroos watching in the stands.

Luka Modric (7/10):

Never stopped moving, created three chances, and was involved in both goals.

Jude Bellingham (7/10):

Did lots of pretty things without being entirely effective in the final third. Still figuring out how to make things work with Mbappe, in particular.

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Attack

Kylian Mbappe (5/10):

Interesting to see him used on the right. He didn’t really make it work, and never really had a clear look on goal. Still figuring it out.

Vinicius Jr (8/10):

Impressed in moments at first, and then bashed one in from long range to seal three points. Removed with a knock to his shoulder with 10 minutes to play.

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Subs & Manager

Eder Militao (6/10):

A solid shift at centre back.

Rodrygo (N/A):

Immediately stuck out on the left. Never really got involved.

Arda Guler (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Lucas Vazquez (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Carlo Ancelotti (X/10):

Changed things up, with Mbappe playing as a right sided forward. Wasn’t always the smoothest setup, and his team didn’t create loads – but two wonderful goals carried them through. Evening was dampened by a knock to Vinicius and potentially serious injury to Carvajal.