From fabulous Fede to Güler’s golazo: Real Madrid player ratings as Elche thrashed
Real Madrid cut Barcelona’s LaLiga lead to a provisional one point on Saturday, thumping Elche 4-1 at the Bernabéu.
Thibaut Courtois:
It had been a while since we’d seen one of his trademark, heroic stops… but he certainly produced one tonight: a lightning‑quick reflex hand to deny André Silva’s header in the dying moments.
Dani Carvajal:
A very encouraging performance for him just days before Spain boss Luis de la Fuente announces his squad for the upcoming international break. He deserves to be at the World Cup, and he’s clearly going to fight for it. A steady, disciplined match - always in the right place, fully locked in from start to finish.
Antonio Rüdiger:
He’s been gutting it out - three straight starts playing through knee discomfort - and he earned the reward with the goal that broke the deadlock. Leaves everything on the field every single time.
Dean Huijsen:
Finally, a calm, controlled match for him. No errors, smooth in the buildup, and capped off with a strong header for his goal.
Fran García:
Outstanding match. And it wasn’t easy, considering how little he’d been playing recently - yet his mentality was spot‑on. A hammer down his flank, great energy, and he delivered the final pass for Fede Valverde’s goal.
Fede Valverde:
What he does goes beyond limits. It’s not just because he was involved in the first goal, nor because he scored the second - it’s his ability to shape the game in every area of the pitch. His full‑field recovery sprint to snuff out a counter in the 50th minute should be required viewing for his teammates. Valverde is a superstar without the ego.
Aurélien Tchouameni:
A calm, controlled outing with Thiago pushing alongside him.
Thiago Pitarch:
He’s settling in nicely. Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa handed him the creative responsibility that had previously been Arda Güler’s, pairing him with Tchouaméni to run the midfield. And he delivered a characteristic performance - dynamic, agile, decisive. Excellent.
Eduardo Camavinga:
Back in the starting XI after that strange absence due to a tooth infection. He ended the match playing as the holding midfielder, a role he insists he can do. But he can’t keep making mistakes like the one that cost Madrid a goal.
Brahim Díaz:
Very good showing, providing exactly the kind of between‑the‑lines play Madrid needs, while also getting himself into scoring areas. A shame he missed that clear one‑on‑one chance.
Vinícius Júnior:
Saving himself for bigger stages - like Tuesday’s Champions League second leg against Manchester City.
SUBSTITUTES:
Gonzalo García:
Slow and hesitant when he had a golden chance from a great Güler pass that put him clean through. Missed the one‑on‑one.
Arda Güler:
Came on to enjoy himself with the game already wide open, but this benching in favor of Thiago should make him reflect. That said, no one’s taking away the absolute rocket he scored from fully 70 yards out.
Daniel Yáñez:
Fantastic pass to Huijsen on the center‑back’s goal. Stood out late in the match.
Diego Aguado:
Produced a key defensive action just before Elche’s goal.
César Palacios:
Tried to break lines, showed good intent.
Manuel Ángel:
Not at fault for the own goal. He was completely exposed.
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