Match Overview

In an electrifying match at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid narrowly defeated Leganes 3-2, showcasing their resilience and determination.

Player Ratings

Here’s a look at the player ratings and key highlights from the encounter:

Goalkeeper

- **Andriy Lunin (Rating: 7)**: The young goalkeeper wasn’t directly at fault for the two goals conceded. Lunin faced several close-range attempts and held strong, demonstrating his growing confidence.

Defense

- **Lucas Vázquez (Rating: 4)**: Struggled to keep pace during transitions and seemed overwhelmed by the superior speed of the opposition. His decision-making when venturing forward left gaps that Leganes exploited, highlighting the need for better positioning in defense.

- **Antonio Rudiger (Rating: 5)**: Had a mixed performance, with unnecessary long shots disrupting Madrid’s flow. The weariness of multiple matches is starting to show in his play, and adjustments could be vital for his form.

- **Raúl Asencio (Rating: 7)**: Earned applause from the home crowd for his solid defensive contributions. His ability to read plays helped diminish Leganes’ attacking threats.

- **Fran García (Rating: 6)**: Showed more promise offensively, tirelessly pushing into the final third and delivering dangerous crosses that kept Leganes' defense on their toes.

Midfield

- **Eduardo Camavinga (Rating: 6)**: Faced challenges in handling counterattacks from Leganes, as both he and Luka Modric found it hard to maintain control against Diego, who was pivotal for the visitors.

- **Luka Modric (Rating: 6)**: While Modric's vision and passing are always commendable, he was occasionally caught off guard during quick transitions, allowing Leganes to exploit the midfield.

Attack

- **Jude Bellingham (Rating: 8)**: The standout performer for Madrid, Bellingham exerted a significant influence, including the assist that earned a penalty and a goal that brought the team back into contention. His dynamic play was crucial in shifting the momentum.

- **Brahim Díaz (Rating: 6)**: Although he synergized well with Bellingham and Mbappé, Díaz missed a golden opportunity that could have shifted the game's trajectory early on.

- **Kylian Mbappé (Rating: 9)**: Once again, Mbappé proved to be the key player, scoring two goals including a penalty and a stunning free-kick to secure the win. His impact was felt throughout and exemplifies why he is considered one of the best in the world.

- **Arda Güler (Rating: 7)**: The teenager made the most of his starting opportunity, winning the penalty and being a constant threat from the flanks.

Substitutes

- **Rodrygo (Rating: 6)**: Came on with a keen sense for anticipating plays and created issues for Leganes’ defense.

- **Vinicius Junior (Rating: 4)**: His performance was underwhelming as he struggled to make an impact, with signs suggesting his focus may still be on recent international duties. A missed opportunity in a 2-on-1 situation summed up a frustrating outing.

- **Fede Valverde (Rating: 7)**: Provided additional stability as a substitute left-back, contributing to a stronger defensive presence.

Conclusion

Overall, this exciting match not only showcased the relentless spirit of Real Madrid but also highlighted areas that need improvement as the season progresses. With key players like Mbappé and Bellingham making decisive impacts, Madrid continues to assert itself as a formidable force in La Liga. Keep an eye on their upcoming matches as they aim to maintain momentum!