Celta Vigo Match: Real Madrid Player Grades – A Comprehensive Analysis
Real Madrid's clash against Celta Vigo was a rollercoaster ride, a testament to the unpredictable nature of La Liga. While the final score might reflect a comfortable victory, the performance itself presented a mixed bag of brilliance and baffling moments. Let's delve into a detailed analysis of each Real Madrid player's contribution, assigning grades based on their individual impact on the game.
Goalkeepers
Andriy Lunin (7/10): Lunin, deputizing for the injured Courtois, had a relatively quiet game. While not heavily tested, he commanded his area well and showed confidence in his handling. A couple of crucial saves prevented Celta from gaining a foothold in the game, showcasing his readiness to step up when called upon. His distribution could be improved, but overall a solid performance.
Defenders
Dani Carvajal (7.5/10): Carvajal was a constant threat down the right flank, providing width and delivering dangerous crosses into the box. His defensive contributions were solid, effectively neutralizing Celta's attacking threat on his side. He displayed his usual tenacity and commitment, making crucial tackles and interceptions.
Éder Militão (7/10): Militão had a solid game, displaying his usual strength and aerial prowess. He was composed in possession and dealt effectively with Celta's attacking forays. A few minor lapses in concentration were evident, but overall a dependable performance.
David Alaba (6.5/10): Alaba had a relatively quiet game, comfortable in possession but not overly involved in either attack or defense. He played his usual composed style, maintaining positional discipline, but lacked the decisive moments that would have elevated his performance.
Fran García (8/10): The young left-back impressed with his attacking intent and skillful dribbling. He consistently offered an outlet down the left flank, providing dangerous crosses and contributing to the attacking momentum. Defensively, he remained vigilant and showed great promise. His performance hinted at a potentially bright future for Real Madrid.
Midfielders
Aurelien Tchouaméni (7.5/10): Tchouaméni displayed his exceptional defensive capabilities, breaking up play in midfield and shielding the backline effectively. His passing was generally accurate, contributing to the team's overall control of the game. His physicality in midfield gave Real Madrid a significant advantage.
Luka Modrić (8/10): Even at his age, Modrić continues to dictate the tempo of Real Madrid's game with his impeccable vision and distribution. His passing range and ability to unlock defenses remain world-class. A moment of magic in the second half created a chance that should have resulted in a goal.
Jude Bellingham (9/10): Bellingham's performance was simply outstanding. His energy and dynamism in midfield were infectious, impacting both offense and defense. He scored a crucial goal and was involved in creating numerous other chances. His pressing and work rate were exceptional, setting the tone for the entire team. He's already proving to be a game-changer for Real Madrid.
Forwards
Vinícius Júnior (8.5/10): Vinícius was a constant menace to the Celta Vigo defense, showcasing his explosive pace and dribbling skills. While he didn't score, his runs and crosses created numerous opportunities for his teammates. His directness and ability to take on defenders were key to Real Madrid's attacking threat. He needs to be more clinical in front of goal, but his overall performance was electrifying.
Joselu (7/10): Joselu's contribution was more than just his goal. His hold-up play was excellent, bringing teammates into the game and creating space for others. He showed great composure in front of goal and proved to be a valuable asset in the attacking third.
Rodrygo Goes (7.5/10): Rodrygo had a very positive impact, contributing with his runs and providing support to Vinícius and Joselu. His clever movement off the ball created space for others to exploit. He showed a great understanding of the game and his passing was excellent. He was unlucky not to add to the score line himself.
Substitutes
Federico Valverde (6.5/10): Valverde added energy and intensity when he came off the bench. He injected pace into Real Madrid's attack but didn't have enough time to make a significant impact on the game's outcome.
Brahim Díaz (6/10): Brahim Díaz replaced Rodrygo, playing with some flair and intent, but he lacked the time needed to showcase his full capabilities.
Overall Assessment
Real Madrid secured a comfortable win against Celta Vigo, but the match highlighted areas that need improvement. While the attacking players shone brightly, the defense occasionally looked vulnerable. The midfield partnership of Tchouaméni, Modrić, and Bellingham was exceptional, offering a blend of defensive solidity and creative flair. The overall team performance was strong, but individual brilliance, particularly from Bellingham and Vinícius, lifted them to victory. This win solidifies Real Madrid's position in the league, but there is always room for growth and improvement throughout the season. The team’s strong start bodes well for the challenges ahead.