Real Madrid returned to La Liga action in flying colors after the last international break as they beat Rayo Vallecano 3-0. The win puts Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table, at least temporarily, as Girona still have to play their game on matchday 14.
Real Madrid were clearly the better team on the pitch, despite them missing some important players like Courtois, Kepa, Militao, Tchouameni, Camavinga, and Vinicius Junior.
However, these players were not missed too much by the Madrid side, as Rodrygo Goes and his attacking colleagues did the job to get the Merengues an important victory.
Rodrygo was the man of the match, fully deserved with his two amazing goals. Other players like Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde also stood out, while the rest of the team also had a good match overall.
The performances of Real Madrid players in this match are rated as follows:
Andriy Lunin: 7.0
Did not have much to do throughout the match, but came up with important saves in the starting and ending parts of the game. Was nervy on a few occasions, but impressed with his ball distribution and kept a clean sheet.
Dani Carvajal: 7.0
Once again, he provided a two-way presence for Real Madrid as he kept running up and down the pitch. Showed his defensive prowess by keeping Chris Ramos in control throughout the match, and also contributed significantly to the team’s attack.
Antonio Rudiger: 7.0
Rudiger put in another impressive performance as he kept the defense in his control. Was quick to put out any danger from the air, and also put in some tackles to keep the Cadiz attack at bay, while also being good with distributing the ball to the midfield.
Nacho Fernandez: 7.0
Got a start in this match in David Alaba’s place and used this opportunity to show just what he can offer Real Madrid despite not being the flashiest or most used player. Kept a forward as troublesome as Roger Marti quiet, and ensured the team did not miss Militao or Alaba.
Ferland Mendy: 6.5
Faced an embarrassing moment in the match when Zaldua nutmegged him, and the Frenchman ended up getting a yellow card. Otherwise, was quite dependable in the defense but contributed little in attack, which is expected from him at this point in his Real Madrid career.
Toni Kroos: 7.0
Ancelotti once again deployed the German as a pivot in the midfield, and his lack of mobility in this core area of the pitch was somewhat of a concern.
However, he was once again at his technical best as he completed 112 of his 123 passes, won all three of his ground duels, and successfully completed nine long balls.
Fede Valverde: 8.0
Valverde was also deployed in the midfield to help Kroos, as the Uruguayan’s speed and physicality made up for the German’s lack of these attributes.
Put in a tireless shift as he kept contributing both to the attack and the defense, and also was involved directly in the move that resulted in Rodrygo’s second goal.
Luka Modric: 7.5
With Tchouameni and Camavinga both out with injuries, Ancelotti decided to put Kroos and Modric both in the starting line-up. The Croat was great in this match, and even at 38 years of age, kept up with the younger and more active players he was playing against.
Was unlucky not to score as he saw an effort rebound from the post, which was also missed by a charging Rodrygo.
Jude Bellingham: 8.5
Bellingham returned to the starting lineup after missing the last match due to a shoulder injury, which also kept him from participating in the English national team’s matches.
His movement was essential for luring defenders away and making space for Rodrygo’s two goals, and he himself scored the last goal of the match to take his Real Madrid tally to 14, surpassing both De Stefano and Cristiano Ronaldo in goals scored in the first 15 games.
Joselu: 6.0
Could have got his name on the scoresheet in the second half, but a misunderstanding with Rodrygo kept him from finishing an easy chance. However, was still well involved in the match, without getting into the spotlight much.
Rodrygo Goes: 9.5
What a match for the Brazilian! Scored two amazing goals, beating the entire Cadiz defense on both occasions. Also gave the assist to Jude Bellingham’s third goal. Has surely left his struggling days behind, as he has now scored in three games on a trot for Real Madrid.
Ancelotti will definitely not have missed the injured Vinicius Jr. too much with this Rodrygo performance.
