Carlo Ancelotti's teenage star produced a standout performance in a win that wasn't as convincing as the scoreline suggested
Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde got on the scoresheet, but Arda Guler was the real master craftsman as Real Madrid beat Leganes 3-0 on Sunday. The Turkish teenager delivered a midfield masterclass to lead an otherwise lacking Madrid side who looked mightily short of their immense potential.
Carlo Ancelotti's side created a handful of half-chances early on, and Mbappe had the ball in the net, but was flagged offside. Guler, handed a rare start, caused problems, too, and saw a shot well saved after weaving through the Leganes defence. It was an otherwise middling opening for Los Blancos, who looked lost going forward at times – and lazy in their attempts to win the ball back.
A moment of quality changed things, as Vinicius Jr latched onto a loose ball after a Bellingham tackle, and squared for Mbappe, who couldn't miss from close range. Valverde added a second after the break, smashing home a free-kick at the near post, before Bellingham delivered the killer third in the closing stages, heading into an empty net after Brahim Diaz's deflected strike fell kindly off the bar.
The scoreline might have looked good, but Madrid were poor for long stretches here, and against a better and more expansive side might have been punished. That will certainly be put to the test on Wednesday, when they travel to Liverpool in the Champions League.
GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Estadio Municipal de Butarque…
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Thibaut Courtois (6/10):
Barely involved, other than to claim a few crosses.
Federico Valverde (7/10):
Smashed a free-kick into the bottom corner having been everywhere up and down the right side. This position might just suit him – especially when Madrid have the majority of the ball.
Antonio Rudiger (7/10):
Shepherded space effectively, and ensured that Garcia could maraud forward a little bit.
Raul Asencio (7/10):
An impressive first start from the 21-year-old, who looks right at home immediately.
Fran Garcia (6/10):
Can't be faulted for his work-rate, but he left some real gaps behind him at times.
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Eduardo Camavinga (6/10):
Solid all-round without being spectacular. Covered ground, cut passing lanes, and dribbled forward.
Dani Ceballos (5/10):
Rarely misplaced a pass, but spent most of the game just sort of being there.
Arda Guler (8/10):
Magical at times, full of creativity and energy. Madrid could have done with him being on the ball more.
Jude Bellingham (8/10):
Absolutely ran it in central midfield. Won the ball back in the build-up to the first goal, and made some really effective runs in midfield. Scored the third, too. Not bad for a player who's being asked to play three positions at once.
AFPAttack
Kylian Mbappe (5/10):
Scored the opener, but was otherwise pretty woeful. Can't seem to time a run and his defensive effort is nowhere to be found.
Vinicius Jr (7/10):
Probably his worst 30 minutes of the year to start things. Improved immensely after, assisting Mbappe and causing real problems. He's the real star here, in truth.
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Brahim Diaz (6/10):
Lively off the bench – perhaps unfortunate not to start.
Luka Modric (N/A):
Not a bad closer.
Endrick (N/A):
A rare cameo – although he certainly looked lively.
Carlo Ancelotti (6/10):
Fielded a much changed line-up that suggested Wednesday's Champions League game at Anfield is a priority. Madrid were pretty poor at times, but produced a few moments of real individual quality, which was enough in the end.
