Vinicius Jr provided a duo of assists, while Jude Bellingham was back among the goals as Real Madrid saw off Braga to pick up a tricky Champions League away victory. Los Blancos took a 2-0 lead, but the home side worked their way back into the game, forcing Madrid to see out a nervy 2-1 win.
Goalkeeper & Defence
Kepa Arrizabalaga (5/10):
Probably shouldn’t have been beaten at his near post for the goal. Almost gave up a second after a blunder. Madrid never really look secure with him in goal.
Dani Carvajal (7/10):
Played very high up the pitch in the first half, looked comfortable defending more in the second. A full-throttle 90 minutes.
Antonio Rudiger (7/10):
His recovery pace was vital on a few occasions, and he produced some important blocks, too.
Nacho (5/10):
Did some tidy defensive work, but he failed to close down goalscorer Djalo when Braga pulled one back, and his side was easily exploited. Seems certain to lose his place when Alaba returns.
Fran Garcia (6/10):
Scampered forward on the left, and linked up well with Vinicius, but he was out of position on the Braga goal. His defensive issues are concerning.
Midfield
Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):
A good kind of frantic at the base of midfield. Won the ball a lot, and kept it moving. Solid when moved to the left in the final minutes, too.
Luka Modric (7/10):
Tidy on the ball, and a pleasure to watch in tight areas. He may have lost a step athletically, but he remains as classy as ever.
Federico Valverde (7/10):
Not involved too much on the ball, but vital defensively and covered ground out of possession.
Jude Bellingham (8/10):
Struggled to get involved in the early goings, but linked up well with the front two as the first half wore on. Took his goal wonderfully after the break as he was impactful even when short of his spell-binding best.
Attack
Rodrygo (7/10):
On the scoresheet for the first time since August 11, though he really couldn’t miss from close range. Had a second ruled out, and faded after the break. Scores at a better rate in the Champions League than La Liga.
Vinicius Jr (8/10):
Set up the first goal with a wonderful piece of skill. Put a lofted effort wide shortly after. A constant threat on the wing, and quite comfortably the best player on the pitch.
Subs & Manager
Aurelien Tchouameni (7/10):
Calmed things down at the base of midfield after being introduced.
Ferland Mendy (6/10):
Brought on for defensive cover at left-back.
Lucas Vazquez (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Carlo Ancelotti (6/10):
Made the decision to rest Kroos and Tchouameni, presumably with one eye on the Clasico this weekend. Madrid controlled the game for an hour, but allowed the hosts back into it. He will take the three points, even if the unsteady end to the game is cause for concern.
