Brazilian Genius Vinicius Outshines All as Madrid Demolish Valencia

 

 

With their top scorer out with a shoulder injury, Los Blancos leant on their other big names in Saturday’s 5-1 thrashing

When it was confirmed on Saturday that Jude Bellingham would miss Real Madrid’s clash with Valencia, there was some concern among supporters. As it turned out, they need not have worried.

Vinicius Jr stood up to be counted at Santiago Bernabeu, scoring twice and spearheading a 5-1 thrashing over Madrid’s visitors from Mestalla. The Brazil international led the way, but was complemented by star showings from Rodrygo and Dani Carvajal in a resounding win.

Carvajal opened the scoring early, cutting inside his man before striking a fine left-footed volley off the post and into the net. Toni Kroos almost made it two within five minutes, rattling the bar with a free-kick from 25 yards out.

Valencia had a handful of chances, but were twice denied by Andiry Lunin, and they were made to pay for their lack of incision in front of goal as Vinicius provided Madrid’s second, using his chest to divert Rodrygo’s cross into the net shortly before half-time.

Any notions of a comeback were quickly squashed in the second half, as Vinicius first cut inside a Valencia defender before angling a shot into the near post before Rodrygo won the ball in the final third and slotted home just a minute later.

He added another with less than 10 minutes remaining, before a fine consolation goal from Hugo Duro put a minor blemish on an otherwise complete Madrid showing.

GOAL rates Real Madrid’s players from the Bernabeu…

 

 

Andriy Lunin (6/10):

Made a couple of neat saves in the first half. Didn’t have much to do in the second until Duro put a fine volley past him.

Dani Carvajal (8/10):

Took his goal wonderfully. Was often the most advanced player on the pitch for Los Blancos. Enjoying an excellent start to the season.

Nacho (6/10):

A typically reliable, if unspectacular performance. Didn’t set the world alight, but didn’t do much wrong, either.

David Alaba (6/10):

Came close with a free-kick in the first half. Was stretched on a few occasions when Valencia hit on the break. Isn’t the same player without Militao next to him.

Ferland Mendy (6/10):

Solid defensively. Won his tackles, and prevented the lively Fran Perez from making too much noise. Didn’t do loads going forward, but didn’t have to given the form of Vinicius in front of him.

 

 

Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):

Tireless at the base of midfield. Won his tackles, carried the ball well, and did his bit creatively, too. Madrid didn’t miss Tchouameni, and they have Camavinga to thank.

Federico Valverde (6/10):

Not his best showing. Full of legs, but a bit lacking in quality. Seemed to be struggling with an injury when removed.

Toni Kroos (7/10)

Rattled the bar with a free-kick. Pinged the ball around with ease. A vintage showing.

Brahim Diaz (7/10)

Not as involved as in midweek. Ran himself into the ground, and was dangerous when on the ball.

 

 

Rodrygo (8/10):

Set up Vinicius’ first goal with a lovely piece of skill and cross. Grabbed a much-deserved brace to round out the scoring — his first goals in the league since August. He’s rounding into form.

Vinicius Jr. (9/10):

Excellent throughout. Caused problems with his pace and trickery. Impressive improvisation for his first, and immaculate technique for the second. Could’ve bagged four. A masterful showing.

 

 

 

Subs & Manager

Luka Modric (8/10):

An outstanding 30 minutes. He looks ageless on nights like these.

Fran Garcia (6/10):

Given 20 minutes to impress. Wasn’t on the ball much.

Lucas Vazquez (6/10):

Got involved in the attack, then moved to a more defensive position.

Nico Paz (N/A):

Not really involved on his La Liga debut.

Joselu (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Carlo Ancelotti (8/10):

Picked the best side available, given his injury situation, and it worked a charm. Vinicius was on fire, while Carvajal continued his excellent form. This was supposed to be a tricky one; Madrid made it look easy.