The Uruguayan provided a crucial goal to cap a stellar display in a tricky home win as Bellingham failed to score for the first time this season.
Jude Bellingham can't run the show every game. It is good for Real Madrid, then, that they have a few other midfielders in their ranks. This week, it was Federico Valverde who ran things, with the Uruguayan scoring Madrid's equaliser and turning in his best showing of the season in a 2-1 comeback win over Real Sociedad.
But it wasn't a comfortable start at the Santiago Bernabeu. A former Madrid man got things going for La Real. Takefusa Kubo, who Los Blancos let go on a permanent deal last summer, played an incisive pass through the Madrid defence, which Ander Barrene bundled over the line — despite Kepa Arrizabalaga's best efforts. Kubo had the ball in the net again 10 minutes later, but saw his curled effort ruled out after it glanced the body of an offside Mikel Oyarzabal.
Joselu rattled the bar with the goal gaping shortly after, but Madrid created little for the remainder of the first half. They only needed 43 seconds after the break to change things, though. Valverde levelled the scoreline with a fine side-footed strike into the net from the edge of the box. The second came after an hour, as Joselu headed Fran Garcia's cross into the bottom corner.
There were further chances for Madrid. Toni Kroos curled a free-kick narrowly wide. Valverde saw a good opportunity for a second deflected past the post and Bellingham was denied late on. Still, although they were far from convincing in the first half, Madrid, led by Valverde, did enough to grab three big points and maintain their perfect start to the 2023-24 Liga season.
GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from the Santiago Bernabeu…
GettyGoalkeeper & Defence
Kepa Arrizabalaga (7/10):
Almost made an excellent save to deny La Real's opener. Had little to do otherwise.
Dani Carvajal (7/10):
Involved in an exciting battle with Kieran Tierney — one he won most of the time. His attacking thrust was vital, especially given Carlo Ancelotti's injury woes.
Antonio Rudiger (6/10):
Completely lost his man on the opener. Redeemed himself after with an otherwise solid performance.
David Alaba (6/10):
Didn't offer much cover as Kubo ran rampant. Not his best showing.
Fran Garcia (6/10):
Had a rough go of things against Kubo, who ran rings round him. But he was excellent going forward, assisting Valverde and Joselu.
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Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):
Won his tackles, pressed well. But he failed to cover some key spaces in the defensive third, and gave Kubo time to work magic.
Federico Valverde (8/10):
The usual off-ball work was there, and he offered an injection of pace from the midfield. Scored a wonderful goal to equalise — his first of the season. Bellingham was surprisingly quiet, and Valverde took it upon himself to handle the creative load from the midfield.
Toni Kroos (7/10):
Gave away some silly free-kicks. Madrid's lack of width in the first half limited his creative tendencies. Better in the second as his side grew into the game.
Jude Bellingham (7/10):
Didn't get a goal or assist, but was involved in pretty much everything else. If this is Bellingham at his worst, Madrid won't have much to complain about.
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Rodrygo (6/10):
Tried to make everything a one-man show — such is his lack of understanding with Joselu up front. Worked for short stints, but he really needs support in the final third.
Joselu (6/10):
Missed a sitter shortly after La Real's opener. Scored Madrid's second out of nowhere. He causes problems with his energy and industry but doesn't have the pace or technical quality to be anything other than a reliable backup.
Subs & Manager
Luka Modric (6/10):
Not a bad option off the bench. Lacking rhythm having fallen behind Bellingham and Valverde in the pecking order.
Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):
Steadied things, and helped Madrid gain control when he came on.
Nacho (6/10):
Valuable legs for a tired Fran Garcia.
Lucas Vazquez (6/10):
Late defensive cover to shut it down.
Brahim Diaz (N/A):
Didn't have time to make an impact.
Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):
Went for arguably his strongest side given the injury situation. Madrid weren't woeful, but certainly short of their best, and need to find an attacking rhythm. Still, he will take the three points against a tricky opponent.