Player Ratings: Real Madrid 4-1 Mallorca – 2022/23
Real Madrid maintained their perfect start to the 2022-23 season and returned to the top of LaLiga with a 4-1 win at home to Mallorca on Sunday.
Vedat Muriqi opened the scoring in the 35th minute with a towering header at the back post. Fede Valverde then equalised on the stroke of half-time with a stupendous solo effort.
Los Blancos looked a lot better after the break, something that’s been happening all season. Vinicius Jr gave the home side the lead after combining nicely with his compatriot, Rodrygo. Rodrygo then turned from provider to goalscorer. The Brazilian got his name on the scoresheet with a brilliant solo effort to make it 3-1.
Antonio Rüdiger then added further gloss to the scoreline after converting Toni Kroos’ set-piece right at the death.
Player ratings:
Starting XI:
Thibaut Courtois: 7/10
Couldn’t do much to stop Muriqi’s brilliant header. The Belgian will be disappointed with the way his teammates defended the set-piece.
Lucas Vazquez: 6/10
Started at right-back as Ancelotti looked to rotate the team. Vazquez had a relatively quiet game with very little impact on proceedings.
Antonio Rüdiger: 7.5/10
Started in place of the injured Militao. The German didn’t have too much defending to do throughout the game. Rounded off the scoring with a well taken finish for his first goal for the club.
David Alaba: 7/10
Played a wonderful ball over the top which found Vinicius but the Brazilian couldn’t find the right finish. A relatively quiet game for the Austrian who had very little to do throughout the ninety minutes.
Ferland Mendy: 6/10
Toni Kroos: 7.5/10
Real Madrid’s captain today. The German started the game slowly but his impact grew as the game went on. Assisted his compatriot for the fourth and final goal of the game.
Rodrygo Goes: 9/10
Eden Hazard: 6/10
Vinicius Jr: 8/10
Substitutions:
Luka Modric: 7/10 – Came on to replace Hazard. The Croatian’s introduction added zip and and direction to the middle of the park.
Nacho: 6/10 – Came on to replace Mendy.
Eduardo Camavinga: 6/10 – Came on to replace Ceballos.
Dani Carvajal: 7/10 – Came on to replace Vazquez. The Spaniard assisted Rodrygo for Madrid’s third goal.
