Real Madrid player ratings against Atlético Madrid in LaLiga EA Sports
A fantastic match from Valverde which ended prematurely due to a very harsh sending-off.
If they wanted a derby, this one had it all. Every ingredient was there: a comeback, a fightback, tension, and a sending-off. Valverde saw red after overreacting despite an outstanding performance. Yet it felt as though Munuera went too far, as the challenge seemed closer to a yellow than a red. Be that as it may, it does not overshadow a match in which the Uruguayan went from hawk to jet. Tireless work and a striker’s instinct, crowned by a goal that had both qualities.
It made it 1-2, after Vini had equalised from the penalty spot following a foul that Brahim, on another superb day, conjured almost out of thin air. But the final trick belonged to the Brazilian, with a museum-worthy goal that reduced the Nahuel golazo to a mere anecdote. A good Atleti. An even better Madrid.
Lunin: At Real Madrid there is complete confidence in him, and he did not take long to show why. Against all odds, in a one-on-one with Llorente, he came out on top. On the second attempt he prevented the 0-1. But he could do nothing against Lookman, after Giuliano produced a brilliant piece of skill, nor against Nahuel’s powerful shot. He saved what he could. He also made a spectacular last-gasp stop against Sorloth. He finished the match wearing the captain’s armband.
Carvajal (64′): And suddenly, Carvajal. Trent’s lateness opened the door. At times Dani arrived too early to certain plays. In the chance involving Llorente, for example, he brought him down after the shot and almost conceded a penalty. In another moment he overcommitted when trying to intercept Giuliano. But he was late for the Atlético counter-attack that Lookman finished, and that one counted. With the ball, though, his right foot remains sharp. A powerful shot forced Musso into a flying save and he delivered two superb crosses. One that Güler volleyed wide and another that Tchouameni headed just inches past the post. Better going forward than defensively, but the ovation he received shows that the Bernabéu always wants him on the pitch.
Rüdiger: He was not tested much, as Atleti rarely attacked through his zone, but his presence is always noticeable. So is his improved fitness. That trip to London almost feels like a pilgrimage to Lourdes. He was less secure in the air than usual, but Rambo looks like he has his legs again.
Huijsen: Confident, especially on the ball. He acted as Madrid’s main distributor, both long and short. Comfortable in possession, although he struggled a couple of times without it. Especially on Lookman’s goal, when he lost his duel with Giuliano. From that point on, however, he improved. Very solid in the air and generally assured.
Fran García: He did not have an easy task. Containing the Llorente-Giuliano pairing demands stamina and constant energy. He coped reasonably well, although when they escaped him things became complicated. The first big chance came from his side, which Lunin ultimately saved. In attack he made himself available and delivered a couple of dangerous crosses that found a finisher.
Valverde: More than a hawk, he is a plane. He is not only playing his best football of the season but perhaps of his entire career. Unstoppable. The wing frees him. He wins the ball back, presses relentlessly and surges forward. One of those runs almost opened the scoring with a powerful right-footed shot, but the base of the far post denied him. In the second half, though, he did everything. He won the ball back inside the opposition box and finished with the outside of his boot. His work leading the first line of pressure was, as always, outstanding. Unfortunately, his performance ended early after a tackle that Munuera Montero judged worthy of a red card, although Iturralde, AS’s refereeing expert, believed it deserved a yellow. It was hardly a coincidence that the foul was on Baena.
Thiago: Simply being on the pitch already means a lot, but his composure means even more. He recovered the ball high up the pitch with one of his three lungs, which led to the first clear chance after a piece of skill from Vini. He constantly made himself available to offer an outlet. A few minor mistakes in possession were quickly forgotten because he sprinted back immediately to win the ball again. Another ovation followed. A guaranteed starter. That is the best summary.
Tchouameni: He can seem absent, yet he always appears. That is his greatest strength. He controlled midfield and disrupted Atlético’s attempts to build from the back. Numerous recoveries and interceptions defined his night. It was not his most brilliant display with the ball during build-up, but within this Madrid structure others can assume that responsibility.
Güler (74′): Active and involved in the build-up. He hardly misplaced a pass in the first half, completing 47. He also tried his luck from distance with conviction: a volley that narrowly missed and a left-footed effort from the edge of the box that Musso saved. In other matches he had been the first substitute. In the derby he was not.
Brahim (74′): Many expected Mbappé to start, but it was Brahim. And he justified the choice. Essential in disrupting Atlético’s build-up, he was also sharp in the box. Comfortable between the lines, he troubled the defence every time he turned to attack. So much so that he won the penalty after dazzling Hancko. Out of nowhere came a priceless opportunity. For Valverde, his initial pressing made everything possible. He is in great form. Decisive yet again.
Vinicius (87′): Personality first, stepping up again to take the penalty. He scored, deceiving Musso. Then came the quality. All the quality in the world. The kind that appears when his confidence is overflowing. The kind that allows him to decide games. His spectacular curling strike into the far corner was a trademark finish. The quiet Vini from the beginning of the season feels very distant now. Arbeloa has clearly brought him back to life. The Bernabéu almost exploded in applause when he left the pitch.
Substitutes:
Mbappé (64′): The surprise of the night was seeing him start on the bench. He got involved almost immediately and was fouled. Physically he looked sharp, which is the best possible news for Real Madrid. The worst news is that the international break is coming and he will join France.
Trent (64′): He arrived late to training and to the match because Arbeloa switched on Flick mode. But whenever he does appear, his right foot remains exceptional. He curled a free kick from the wing that Musso managed to clear off the line.
Camavinga (74′): Added physical presence, which was necessary with ten men.
Bellingham (74′): Returned after injury and tried to bring control to the closing stages.
Carreras (87′): Physically ready, but Fran García was preferred. He eventually came on late.
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