NEVER WRITE THEM OFF!!!
Real Madrid emerged victorious at the end of another eventful match against Valencia away from home. The Benzema-Vinicius partnership again helped Real Madrid to grab all three points and continue their unbeaten run in all competitions this season.
A total of three players left the field injured in the opening half-hour of the game, with Valencia losing their Talisman Carlos Soler and Correia, and as for the visitors, Dani Carvajal came off the field in discomfort.
The hosts took the lead in the second half by the left-footed strike of Hugo Duro, the former Castilla man. Valencia outplayed Blancos for a majority of the game. Bordalas’s men were constantly putting pressure on the visitors and did not allow them to settle down. The home side created several clear chances but was not able to make the most of it.
Real Madrid received a hostile reception at Mestalla and found it tough to find their rhythm. One goal each from Benzema and Vinicius helped Ancelloti’s men to register the win. The Italian would be somewhat happy with the defensive display of his team but will be worried about the injury to Carvajal. The visitor’s played with great urgency after going behind and never gave up until the last minute.
Valencia were on top of their game but lost their focus in the crucial final moments when the Spanish giants came from behind to secure all three points.
Here are our Real Madrid’s player ratings from the game against Valencia:-
Thibaut Courtois: 7.5
The Belgian continued his form from the weekend and made some sublime saves that denied the Bats to take the lead but was beaten once by Hugo Duro’s strike, which took a tiny deflection on its way.
Nacho: 5.5
The Spaniard started at left-back position in the second consecutive game and gave a decent performance. Nacho did not offer much going forward and found it laborious to defend the 18-year-old substitute Yunus Musah.
David Alaba: 6.5
Alaba was concrete defensively and was leading the team from the back. The Austrian had an intense battle with Maxi Lopez and emerged on top on numerous occasions. The summer signing was also looking to move forward and help the attackers several times.
Eder Militao: 6
The Brazilian was solid at the back with many crucial blocks and tackles. Militao was troubled by the pace and quality of Guedes.
Dani Caravajal: 5
Carvajal was not much involved in the game before he left the field injured in the 26th minute. Injuries have been the main concern for the Spaniard who had just returned to the squad.
Luka Modric: 6
It was another important performance from Modric in the middle of the park. The Croatian beautifully linked up with Benzema to disturb Valencia’s defense. Modric was accurate n his passing and took the team out of danger in many instances.
Casemiro: 5.5
The Brazilian gave away the ball in dangerous situations a couple of times. Casemiro came up with decisive tackles and interceptions to break the play for the hosts.
Federico Valverde: 7
Valverde produced another tireless performance for Los Blancos till he came off in the 78th minute. The Uruguayan made several interceptions and helped the team going forward.
Vinicius Junior: 8.5
Vinicius is having a dream season already scoring five goals. Vini was a constant threat to the home side whenever he had the ball. The Brazilian had a fierce battle with Foulquier on the wing. The deserved ‘ King of the Match’ scored one goal and assisted Benzema for his goal.
Karim Benzema: 8
The Frenchman looked good whenever on the ball and wonderfully linked up with Hazard. Benzema assisted Vini with the equalizer and scored the winning goal.
Eden Hazard: 6.5
Hazard was lively throughout his time on the pitch. The Belgian looked in great touch and also helped the defense numerously.
The No. 7 had decent chances in front of the goal, which he failed to make the most of it.
Substitutes:-
Lucas Vazquez: 5.5
The Spaniard replaced Carvajal early in the game and played at the right-back position. Vazquez was vulnerable defensively and was one of the players responsible for Valencia’s goal. He tried to whip in crosses but was not able to impose threats offensively.
Rodrygo: 6
The Brazilian replaced Modric in the 67th minute and combined well with Vazquez on the right. Rodrygo was close to scoring minutes after coming from the bench. The youngster was involved in the equalizer scored by Vinicius.
Eduardo Camavinga: 6.5
Camavinga was seen in action as soon as he came onto the pitch. The young Frenchman made some pivotal touches and helped the defense.
Luka Jovic: 5
Jovic was not seen much on the ball since replacing Hazard.
Isco: 5.5
Isco tried to influence the game after coming in late, replacing Valverde. The Spaniard made accurate passes but was not able to find the perfect pass to breakthrough lines.
