Carlo Ancelotti’s big summer signing failed to score, but the league favourites fought back to a sloppy win
With Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappe out of the game, Real Madrid must have somewhere to turn. And on Sunday, in the midst of a poor performance from Los Blancos, Federico Valverde and Brahim Diaz stepped up and scored two crucial goals. Endrick then came off the bench to open his Real account and cap a 3-0 victory.
Madrid struggled for much of the first half, as they seemed to be missing the injured Jude Bellingham in midfield. Mbappe showed off some beautiful runs behind him and forced the goalkeeper into a brilliant save with an acrobatic volley. Nevertheless, the home team ended the first 45 minutes with just one shot on goal.
But just like at the start of the season, the Royals improved enormously after the break. Valverde finally made the breakthrough, his deflected free kick whizzing into the bottom corner – much to the relief of the restless Santiago Bernabeu.
With 15 minutes to go, the score should have been three or four. Mbappe wasted a couple of good chances, while Vinicius Jr. was unable to tap in a botched cross from Rodrygo. Substitute Brahim Diaz finally put the game out of reach. Endrick scored an impressive third goal in second-half stoppage time to give Ancelotti’s side their first win of the season.
GOAL rates the Real Madrid players from the Santiago Bernabeu …
