Grades for matchday 4: Valverde assists, Carvajal clears

Individual reviewAfter the disappointing 1-1 draw against Las Palmas, Real Madrid responded in their home match against Real Betis. Carlo Ancelotti’s men won 2-0 and Kylian Mbappé finally scored. Federico Valverde not only provided the assist for the 1-0 goal, but also performed outstandingly in other ways. Dani Carvajal played the role of sweeper at the back perfectly. The REAL TOTAL individual review.

Starting eleven

Thibaut Courtois

Real’s goalkeeper was rarely called upon against Real Betis. Although the Andalusians occasionally put on short periods of pressure, the Belgian was never really called upon. Courtois only had to intervene twice, including when Rodri shot (54′). There was a brief moment of shock in the 24th minute when he was put under pressure by Aitor Ruibal and could only clear the ball out of play, thus causing a throw-in for the opposition. REAL TOTAL-Note: 2,5.

Daniel Carvajal

One of the best players on the pitch! The right-back was aggressive but controlled in the tackles, got involved in attack as a crosser and made the necessary runs backwards to close gaps or win back the ball. The 32-year-old showed personality and didn’t let up one percent until the final whistle. Great performance! REAL TOTAL-Note: 1,5.

Eder Militao

He was present in the header duels (winning three out of four) and got 92 percent of his passes to the right man. He also tried long balls again and almost scored the first goal with a header after a corner (20th minute). Overall, the Brazilian seemed more focused and was closer to the man in most actions than in previous games. REAL TOTAL-Note: 2,5.

Antonio Rudiger

Similar to his teammate, he was focused in the duels and also blocked several of the opponent’s shots (10th, 22nd). Compared to Militão, the German contributed more high balls to the Blancos’ offensive game, with six of the nine reaching his teammates. REAL TOTAL-Note: 2,5.

Ferland Mendy (until 65th minute)

The usual problem with Ferland Mendy: The left-back is too defensive and cannot speed up the game. The 29-year-old often played on the left wing to support Vinícius Júnior, but he broke off many attacks, instead playing short, safe passes and avoiding high balls into the dangerous zone. In return, he won all of his duels, both on the ground (four out of four) and in the air (one out of one). REAL TOTAL-Note: 3.

Federico Valverde

The Uruguayan is developing into a solid player in the attacking midfield! Valverde was also full of energy against Betis and crowned his performance with a backheel assist for Mbappé’s goal to make it 1-0. Overall, he seems more courageous again and is confident of taking the odd long-range shot. In the important moments, the new number 8 dropped back and entered into duels with commitment and success (won four out of five). REAL TOTAL-Note: 1,5.

Aurelién Tchouaméni

This time, Tchouaméni was much more convincing than in the last few games. Instead of primarily passing safe passes backwards, he was now more courageous in opening the game with impressive through passes and long balls, all three of which arrived. Despite this, the Frenchman did not neglect the defensive work that Carlo Ancelotti prioritized. He won all three of his aerial duels, won seven of his eight tackles, blocked two shots and made four tackles. REAL TOTAL-Note: 2,5.

Dani Ceballos (bis 65. Minute)

It is not often that Dani Ceballos gets to play from the start. He has partially used his chance to prove himself. The midfielder was very active going forward and almost created a great chance with his pass shortly before half-time (45th+2). However, when moving backwards, he was still too prone to making mistakes here and there, losing the ball a few times (38th, 56th) and losing tackles (five out of ten). REAL TOTAL-Note: 3.

Rodrygo Goes (bis 89. Minute)

Solid performance from the Brazilian, who looked for depth and created several chances for his strike partners (26th, 28th). Shortly before the half-time whistle, he had the opportunity to finish from a tight angle, but only hit the side netting (45th+3) and later placed the shot too centrally after a pass from Mbappé (55th). However, it was noticeable that the interplay with Real’s new signing worked better, which also led to the 1-0. As always, the striker also worked in defense, which rounded off his performance even further. REAL TOTAL-Note: 2.

Kylian Mbappé (Day 84. Minutes)

There is not much more to say than: finally! After scoring a goal in the Super Cup, the knot was finally broken on the fourth matchday of LaLiga. For 67 minutes, the Frenchman’s performance was reminiscent of the last few matches – countless blocked shots and a lack of precision. But after Valverde’s sweet backheel pass, Real’s new signing was also unable to miss (67th minute). Shortly afterwards, he safely converted a penalty won by Vinícius Júnior. REAL TOTAL-Note: 1,5.

Vinicius Junior

Vinícius also had the chance to take the lead, but the ball (deflected) hit the post (50′). In combination with Brahim, the Brazilian then cleverly won a penalty and helped to seal the 2-0 lead. In combination with Mbappé, there was more order and the duo’s joy in playing was unmistakable, even if it still too rarely leads to the desired result. The usual criticism: every now and then he complained too much and speculated on a foul in situations in which he could have continued playing. REAL TOTAL-Note: 2,5.