Real Madrid locked horns with Villarreal on Saturday night at Santiago Bernabeu as part of match day 9 of La Liga.
The Merengues were the slight favourites heading into the game but a defeat midweek left their situation unclear especially given how they have looked uninspiring in recent games.
Villarreal, after all, were breathing down Los Blancos’ neck on the standings ahead of kickoff.
Over 90 minutes, the second and third-placed teams in the league battled valiantly with not much separating the two sides.
A Federico Valverde wonder goal in the opening half, however, helped the hosts get their noses ahead with some breathing space.
Vinicius doubled the team’s advantage in the 72nd minute with a strike from distance once more, driving the ball into the back of the net and giving the goalkeeper no chance.
In the end, the 2-0 lead gave Los Blancos all three points and sealed the deal.
Andriy Lunin: 6.5
Just the second start of the season for Lunin who did not have half as much work as he did midweek against Lille. Just required to make the one save in the 90 minutes.
Dani Carvajal: 7
Carvajal pushed up high as an extra body in attack and stretched out Villarreal’s defence to create space for the attack. Combined well with Modric and Valverde to orchestrate play on his flank while also covering defensive duties with solidity.
Antonio Rudiger: 7
Completed 98% of his passes attempted against the Yellow Submarine and was rock solid in defence with four defensive actions and 100% accuracy on his long balls as well.
Needless to say, was not perturbed too much on the night at Santiago Bernabeu.
Aurelien Tchouameni: 7.5
The midfield star joined Antonio Rudiger’s place in defence and did a decent job in covering Eder Militao’s duties barring a few isolated mistakes.
In fact, he recorded superior numbers to his German co-star.
Was lucky to not concede a penalty in the second period after taking down a Villarreal player in the box but was saved by a slight offside.
Ferland Mendy: 7.5
The French defender dished out a good routine at left-back and was comfortable with his distribution and defensive interceptions on the night.
Completed a staggering 96% of his passes and lost possession just thrice in the 90 minutes.
Federico Valverde: 8.5
Even when Real Madrid cannot find a way through, Valverde always can and he did once again last night.
The Uruguayan star’s goal stemmed from a corner but involved a clinical and well-struck strike from outside the box that the goalkeeper simply could do nothing to stop.
Was also sensational with his distribution and recorded two key passes for Los Blancos.
Eduardo Camavinga: 7
With his compatriot shifted to centre-back, the Frenchman took over the brunt of the defensive responsibility and stepped up in midfield.
Covered sizeable ground against Villarreal and was critical off the ball with his essential tackles.
Luka Modric: 8.5
Starting at 39 years of age, the Croatian midfielder was one of the team’s best players on the field as he continually found the right actions to unlock the visitors’ lines.
Produced three key passes and completed 100% of his dribbles in the first half alone and followed it up with an equally impressive second half. Earned the assist for Valverde’s opener.
Jude Bellingham: 7.5
A relatively silent night for the English midfielder who is still looking for his first goal of the season.
Was flawless with his distribution and calm as ever under pressure but his relatively deeper role again sucked out the attacking influence he would usually have on the proceedings.
Kylian Mbappe: 7
An uncharacteristic night for the French forward who was nowhere close to his best in attack.
Completed just two of seven attempted dribbles, had no shot on target and had just 22 passes attempted in over an hour on the field.
Vinicius Jr: 9
The Brazilian looked confident in the final third, finally making positive dribbles on the left flank and looking to combine with Mbappe centrally.
While his first half was not a standout display, he was much improved in the second period and was unlucky to not have a few assists to his name.
Ultimately got his goal on the night with a stunning strike from distance, drilling the ball beyond Diego Conde’s reach to give his side a two-goal cushion.
Left the field with discomfort in his shoulder.