Real Madrid returned to the victory after the midweek draw against Osasuna. In the match against Elche Ancelotti’s men seemed more vivid and had a solid game even why the hosts have been a tough opponent in their home for everyone. With the 3 points earned, Real Madrid kept the pace with the topo teams. Vinicius was the key player for this match as he scored two goals and proved once again that he has found great stability under Carlo Ancelotti’s orders and is getting more mature day by day.
Carlo Ancelotti made a few changes to his usual line-up with Mariano replacing the injured Karim Benzema, Marcelo in to give Mendy rest, and Lucas Vazquez back in the line-up at right back to give Dani Carvajal rest. It was far from a stellar Real Madrid performance, but two moments of magic from superstar Vinicius Junior meant Real Madrid walked away with all 3 points.
The starting XI ratings are as follows:
Thibaut Courtois: 7.5
Produced a big-time save in the first half on a venemous Lucas Boye shot from inside the box.
Lucas Vazquez: 6.0
Regained the starting role at right back and kept Elche quiet on their left flank. Had limited involvement in the attack.
Eder Militao: 9.0
Had 8 ball retrievals in the first 60 minutes alone — finished the match with a team high of 4 completed tackles. Kept Lucas Boye in his pocket and was up there with Vinicius Junior for man of the match.
David Alaba: 7.0
Struggled with Boye’s physicality more so than Militao. Despite that, was crucial in winning and clearing the ball (7 times - team high by more than double any other player).
Marcelo: 6.0
Was not exposed defensively, but finished the match with only 2 crosses and 0 key passes.
Casemiro: 7.5
One blemish on his record book on the matchday — the giveaway inside his own half to feed Elche on the breakaway and score their only goal of the game. Other than that, was crucial defensively and produced the hockey assist with a brilliant interception and one touch pass in the build-up to Vini’s first goal.
Toni Kroos: 8.0
Another day at the office for the German cyborg, who was near perfect with his passing and long ball completion.
Luka Modric: 7.0
Played higher up the pitch in Madrid’s build-up, meaning he saw less of the ball in the first half. Gradually grew into the game and grabbed an assist on Vinicius Junior’s second goal.
Rodrygo: 6.5
Only played 17 minutes as he had to come off for injury. Prior to the substitution, was one of the most active players on pitch, driving at the Elche defense.
Vinicius Junior: 9.0
Palacios did a decent job defending the winger, who only completed 3 of his 7 attempted dribble take-on’s, yet it was not enough to deny the in-form Brazilian. Vini scored two brilliant goals to keep his goal-scoring streak alive.
Mariano: 6.5
Isolated for large stretches of the match, but produced a lovely flick to free Vinicius Junior in the box for his first goal.
Subs:
Marco Asensio: 3.0
Completely anonymous for large stretches of the match. Little to note from Asensio’s game.
Ferland Mendy: 6.0
Brought in to rest Marcelo and solidify the backline at the end of the match.
Dani Carvajal: 5.0
A number of heavy touches and wayward passes after coming on the pitch, still working through the injury rust.
Eden Hazard: N/A
Played the final 7 minutes of the match in place of Vinicius Junior.
Eduardo Camavinga: N/A
Played the final 7 minutes of the match in place of Luka Modric.
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