Real Madrid Player Grades: Celta Vigo Game

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Post on Jan 25, 2025

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Real Madrid Player Grades: Celta Vigo Game - A Commanding Performance

Real Madrid secured a comfortable 2-0 victory against Celta Vigo, showcasing a dominant display that highlighted both individual brilliance and cohesive team play. While the scoreline might suggest a straightforward win, the match offered a nuanced performance from Carlo Ancelotti's men, with some players exceeding expectations and others falling slightly short. Let's delve into a detailed analysis of each player's contribution, assigning grades based on their overall performance.

Goalkeepers

Andriy Lunin (7.5/10): Lunin continued his impressive form, showcasing his agility and decisiveness between the sticks. While not heavily tested, he commanded his area effectively and dealt confidently with crosses, making a couple of crucial interventions to prevent Celta from creating any real threat. His distribution was also commendable, launching quick counter-attacks effectively. A solid performance from the Ukrainian international.

Defenders

Dani Carvajal (7/10): Carvajal provided his usual energy and intensity down the right flank. He offered both defensive solidity and attacking support, making important tackles and delivering dangerous crosses into the box. While his attacking contributions could have been more incisive, his overall defensive performance was commendable, keeping Celta's left flank quiet.

Éder Militão (8/10): Militão was imperious at the heart of the Real Madrid defence. He was a rock at the back, winning aerial duels comfortably and making timely interceptions. His composure on the ball was also evident, playing out from the back with confidence and accuracy. A truly commanding performance from the Brazilian defender.

David Alaba (7.5/10): Alaba continued his impressive versatility, performing well in the centre of defence. He exhibited his usual composure and passing range, orchestrating play from the back and initiating attacks with pinpoint passes. His defensive contributions were also notable, reading the game well and making several crucial clearances.

Ferland Mendy (6.5/10): Mendy delivered a solid, if unspectacular, performance. While he provided adequate defensive cover down the left flank, his attacking contributions were minimal. He needs to show more attacking intent and provide more of a threat in the final third to truly reach his potential.

Midfielders

Aurelien Tchouaméni (8/10): Tchouaméni controlled the midfield with his usual authority. His defensive work rate was exceptional, breaking up play and winning back possession consistently. His passing was accurate and he displayed a calm presence on the ball, allowing Real Madrid to maintain possession effectively. He was a key figure in stifling Celta's midfield.

Luka Modrić (7.5/10): Despite his age, Modrić continues to defy expectations. His vision and passing accuracy were instrumental in creating chances for Real Madrid. He dictated the tempo of the game, showing his experience and creativity in the middle of the park. While his influence waned slightly in the second half, his overall contribution was invaluable.

Toni Kroos (7/10): Kroos provided his usual composure and precision in midfield. His passing was impeccable, consistently finding teammates with accurate passes, maintaining possession and dictating play. Although he wasn't as prominent as Modrić or Tchouaméni, his presence was pivotal in providing stability and control.

Federico Valverde (7/10): Valverde provided the energy and dynamism in the midfield, making crucial tackles and offering support both offensively and defensively. While not directly involved in the goals, his tireless work rate and intensity disrupted Celta's rhythm and created space for his teammates. His engine is invaluable to the team's balance.

Forwards

Vinicius Junior (8.5/10): Vinicius was a constant threat throughout the game, his pace and dribbling skills causing Celta's defence numerous problems. While he didn't score, his tireless runs and constant pressure created numerous opportunities for his teammates. He was instrumental in setting up the opening goal. His directness and skill set him apart.

Karim Benzema (7.5/10): Benzema, despite not scoring, delivered a strong performance. His movement was intelligent, creating space for his teammates and causing problems for the Celta defense. His link-up play was also excellent, combining effectively with Vinicius and other attacking players. While a goal would have capped off his performance, his all-around contribution was significant.

Rodrygo Goes (7/10): Rodrygo provided a lively attacking presence, causing problems with his speed and dribbling ability. He secured a well-deserved assist in the build-up to Real Madrid's second goal, displaying his clinical nature in the final third. He offered excellent support to Vinicius and provided additional attacking width.

Substitutes

Eduardo Camavinga (6.5/10): Camavinga came on as a substitute and provided fresh legs and energy in midfield, solidifying Real Madrid's control of the game. His defensive work rate was impressive, helping to maintain the clean sheet.

Marco Asensio (6/10): Asensio didn't have much time to impact the game but showed some flashes of his ability.

Dani Ceballos (N/A): Came on too late to be graded.

Overall Team Performance

Real Madrid displayed a mature and commanding performance against Celta Vigo. Their midfield dominance was crucial in controlling the game, while their defensive solidity ensured a clean sheet. The attacking players, while not always clinical in front of goal, created numerous chances and kept Celta's defence under constant pressure. The victory demonstrates their ability to adapt and perform against different styles of opposition. The team's cohesion and understanding are continuing to improve under Ancelotti.

Conclusion

This match highlighted the depth and quality within the Real Madrid squad. While some players outshone others, the overall team performance was impressive, showing their readiness to conquer all challenges. The victory against Celta Vigo reinforces Real Madrid's position as one of the leading contenders for major titles this season. This comprehensive analysis offers valuable insight into the individual and collective strengths that underpin their success.