Putting in what was a rampant performance in the Spanish capital on Saturday night, Real Madrid extended on their La Liga flurry as they breezed their way to a 5-1 victory against Valencia.
Although Los Blancos might have been unable to call upon the influential Jude Bellingham this weekend, Carlo Ancelotti’s side didn’t show any signs of a struggle as veteran defender Dani Carvajal opened the scoring after just three minutes.
While Valencia might have caused some early problems throughout the first-half, Madrid didn’t really have to get out of third gear as they eventually ran rampant on home soil.
Heading into the half-time break with a 2-0 lead as attacking talisman Vinicius Junior grabbed his first of the night, Ancelotti’s men didn’t look back as they produced a stellar performance when returning from the interval.
With Rodrygo notching a classy second-half brace and Vinicius also registering his fourth La Liga strike of the season, Madrid certainly made a major statement of intent here.
Although Hugo Duro might have bagged Valencia a consolation strike in the final couple of minutes, Valencia will have to go back to the drawing board following a demolition job in the Spanish capital.
On a night when Los Blancos entered November’s international break with a heavyweight statement, we have taken a look at the main talking points.
No Bellingham, no problem for Madrid
With Bellingham enjoying a record-breaking start to life in Madrid following his £100million move from German giants Borussia Dortmund, some were wondering how Los Blancos would cope without their new attacking talisman here.
Nevertheless, extending on their Champions League adventure earlier in the week and punching their knockout stage ticket thanks to a 3-0 romp against Braga, Ancelotti’s side have continued to shine since opening up the new campaign.
Despite missing out on the chance to defend their La Liga crown last season thanks to a 10-point deficit, Madrid are tipped as a leading contender this time around.
Laying down another major statement of intent on Saturday night, Madrid have suffered just a single defeat across any competition this season and they have certainly gained a reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third.
While Los Blancos might enter November’s international break sat two points adrift of Girona, Madrid are riding a stellar wave of momentum.
Rodrygo proves his worth to Los Blancos
While the all-star duo of Bellingham and Vinicius Junior might have continued to steal most of Real Madrid’s headlines this season, it was Rodrygo who deserves plenty of praise following Sunday’s 5-1 romp.
Although many around the Spanish capital might have felt over the summer that the 22-year-old could be heading for the Bernabeu exit, the former Santos starlet has cemented his spot as a real fan favourite.
Causing Valencia’s defence a string of issues on Saturday night and bagging a classy second-half brace, the Brazil international has shown that he can be a key performer for Ancelotti across all fronts this season.
Along with finding the net and bagging his second Champions League strike against Braga earlier in the week, Rodrygo has now registered five goals in as many appearances across all competitions.
Clearly filling Bellingham’s void here, Rodrygo has demonstrated why Los Blancos were desperate to get the 22-year-old tied down to a new deal in the Spanish capital.
Valencia come crashing back down to earth
Dealing with a string of issues behind the scenes last season and enduring a major battle to keep hold of their La Liga status, it is no secret that Valencia are simply seeking some crucial stability this time around.
However, while the Bats might have travelled to Madrid on Saturday night in the midst of a five-match unbeaten run across all competitions, Ruben Baraja’s side certainly came crashing back down to earth here.
Always knowing that they faced a huge uphill battle this weekend, Los Ches will simply be looking to dust themselves down during November’s international break.
Nevertheless, still battling it out in the top-half of the La Liga standings, Valencia should take plenty of positives away from their eye-catching start to the 2023/24 campaign.
Extending on their Copa del Rey adventure away at lower-league UD Logrones earlier in the month, Saturday’s guests could still be dreaming of the chance to mount a genuine European charge this season.
Match Report
Real Madrid: Lunin, Carvajal, Nacho, Alaba, Mendy, Valverde, Camavinga, Kroos, Diaz, Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior
Subs: Paz, Garcia, Vazquez, Joselu, Modric
Valencia: Mamardashvili, Correia, Mosquera, Gabriel, Gaya, Guerra, Pepelu, Canos, Lopez, Perez, Duro
Subs: Gasiorowski, Gonzalez, Foulquier, Yaremchuk, Guillamon
Goals: Real Madrid: Carvajal (3’), Vinicius Junior (42’, 49’), Rodrygo (50’, 84’) – Valencia: Duro (88’)
Yellow Cards: Real Madrid: Camavinga – Valencia: Gabriel, Pepelu, Foulquier
Red Cards: N/A
Referee: Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez
