Real Madrid player ratings vs Leganes, Real Madrid secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Leganes in La Liga, thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappe, Federico Valverde, and Jude Bellingham. However, the spotlight was firmly on Turkish sensation Arda Guler, whose creativity and energy were instrumental in securing the win.
While the scoreline might suggest dominance, Los Blancos looked disjointed at times, raising questions about their form heading into a crucial Champions League clash against Liverpool. Let’s break down the match and see how Carlo Ancelotti’s side fared.
Real Madrid Player Ratings vs Leganes: Arda Guler Shines as Mbappe and Bellingham Deliver Ahead of Liverpool Clash
Match Overview
Real Madrid visited the Estadio Municipal de Butarque with an eye on their upcoming Champions League clash. A heavily rotated lineup showcased Carlo Ancelotti’s prioritization of the midweek game, but the team still managed to deliver moments of brilliance to seal the win.
Arda Guler’s rare start injected creativity into Madrid’s midfield, while Jude Bellingham’s work rate and Valverde’s versatility stood out. Mbappe, despite scoring, looked off the pace for much of the match.
First Half: A Mixed Bag for Real Madrid
The opening 30 minutes were far from convincing for Real Madrid. They struggled to break down Leganes, whose disciplined defense nullified several early attacks.
A breakthrough came in the 32nd minute when Bellingham’s tackle set Vinicius Jr. free to deliver a pinpoint cross to Kylian Mbappe, who slotted home from close range. The goal, while well-executed, masked an otherwise lackluster start from Madrid.
Guler’s wizardry provided a glimpse of what the 18-year-old is capable of. He dribbled through Leganes’ defense, forcing a fine save from their goalkeeper, and created opportunities with his vision and precision.
Second Half: Valverde and Bellingham Seal the Deal
Real Madrid came out stronger in the second half, with Valverde doubling their lead in the 55th minute. The Uruguayan smashed a free kick into the bottom corner, showcasing his knack for delivering in high-pressure moments.
The final blow came late in the game when Bellingham capitalized on Brahim Diaz’s deflected shot, heading into an empty net. The Englishman’s goal capped off a tireless performance, demonstrating why he’s becoming indispensable for Madrid.
Despite the victory, the match exposed Madrid’s vulnerabilities. Their midfield occasionally lacked cohesion, and their defensive setup left gaps that better teams could exploit.
Player Ratings
Goalkeeper & Defense
- Thibaut Courtois (6/10): Had a quiet game, with minimal involvement beyond catching a few crosses.
- Federico Valverde (7/10): Played as a right-back and excelled with a stunning free kick. His work rate was exceptional throughout.
- Antonio Rudiger (7/10): Controlled the backline effectively, allowing Garcia to push forward.
- Raul Asencio (7/10): An assured debut performance, showing maturity beyond his years.
- Fran Garcia (6/10): Energetic but left his flank exposed at times.
Midfield
- Eduardo Camavinga (6/10): Did the basics well but lacked his usual spark.
- Dani Ceballos (5/10): Struggled to influence the game, often fading into the background.
- Arda Guler (8/10): A standout performer. His creativity and energy drove Madrid forward.
- Jude Bellingham (8/10): Dominated the midfield, contributing defensively and offensively with a goal and assist-worthy moments.
Attack
- Kylian Mbappe (5/10): Scored but was otherwise ineffective, struggling to time his runs.
- Vinicius Jr (7/10): Recovered from a slow start to assist Mbappe’s opener and create problems for Leganes’ defense.
Substitutes & Manager
- Brahim Diaz (6/10): Added energy but should have started.
- Luka Modric (N/A): Managed the game late on.
- Endrick (N/A): A lively cameo.
- Carlo Ancelotti (6/10): Rotated heavily ahead of Liverpool. Madrid’s performance was disjointed, but moments of individual brilliance secured the win.
Match Takeaways
- Arda Guler’s Potential: The Turkish teenager proved he deserves more starts with a performance full of creativity and flair.
- Concerns About Mbappe: Despite his goal, the Frenchman’s lack of defensive effort and timing issues are becoming a recurring theme.
- Bellingham’s Versatility: Playing multiple roles, the Englishman continues to prove why he’s one of the most valuable players in world football.
- Valverde’s Right-Back Role: The Uruguayan looked comfortable on the flank, hinting at a potential long-term solution for Madrid’s defensive injuries.
Conclusion
Real Madrid’s 3-0 win against Leganes might look convincing on paper, but their performance left room for improvement. The match highlighted the brilliance of Arda Guler and the dependability of Jude Bellingham, but also exposed issues in midfield and attack.
With a trip to Liverpool in the Champions League looming, Carlo Ancelotti will need to address these concerns quickly. If Real Madrid hope to challenge on all fronts this season, they’ll need to find consistency and capitalize on their individual talent.
💬 @KMbappe: “Sabíamos la importancia de conseguir esta victoria”.#LeganésRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/Czx92kv5lA
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) November 24, 2024
FAQs
1. Who was Real Madrid’s standout player against Leganes?
Arda Guler stole the show with a dynamic midfield display, combining creativity, energy, and attacking flair.
2. How did Kylian Mbappe perform?
Mbappe scored the opener but struggled with timing and defensive responsibilities, delivering an underwhelming overall performance.
3. What’s next for Real Madrid?
Real Madrid face Liverpool in a crucial Champions League clash, where a stronger team effort will be needed to secure a result.
4. Did Jude Bellingham impress?
Yes, Bellingham was instrumental, showcasing his versatility with a goal and significant contributions in both attack and defense.
5. What does this win mean for Real Madrid’s La Liga campaign?
The victory helps Los Blancos keep pace with Barcelona in the La Liga title race, but consistency remains key as injuries mount.
By addressing their shortcomings and leveraging their talent, Real Madrid can solidify their position in both domestic and European competitions.
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