Alright, footy fans! Let's dive deep into the player ratings from the recent Real Madrid vs. Celta Vigo clash. This match was a rollercoaster, and we're here to break down who shone and who needs to up their game. Forget those generic summaries; we’re giving you the real deal with detailed insights and a sprinkle of banter. Get ready to dissect every pass, tackle, and goal!

Real Madrid Player Ratings

Real Madrid, Los Blancos, always brings a certain expectation to the pitch. Let's see how each player performed under the Bernabéu lights, shall we?

Goalkeeper

• Thibaut Courtois: (Rating: 7/10) Big Courtois did what he needed to do. He made a couple of crucial saves that kept Celta at bay, but honestly, he wasn't tested as much as he might have expected. His distribution was solid, and he commanded his area well. No major complaints here, just a steady performance from the big Belgian.

Defenders

• Dani Carvajal: (Rating: 6.5/10) Carvajal had a mixed game. Defensively, he was mostly sound, but he didn’t offer as much going forward as we’ve seen in the past. A few sloppy passes crept into his game, which is unusual for him. Still, his experience shone through in key moments, preventing Celta from exploiting the right flank. Needs a bit more spark in the attacking third, though.
• Éder Militão: (Rating: 7.5/10) Militão was a rock at the back. His tackling was crisp, and he read the game well, intercepting several dangerous passes. He also showed composure on the ball, stepping out of defense confidently. One or two moments of rashness, but overall, a very solid performance from the Brazilian center-back. He's really growing into his role.
• David Alaba: (Rating: 7/10) Alaba brought his usual calmness and experience to the defense. His passing was precise, and he often found himself in advanced positions, contributing to the attack. Defensively, he was reliable, although he occasionally struggled with Celta’s quick forwards. A well-rounded game from the Austrian, showcasing his versatility.
• Ferland Mendy: (Rating: 6/10) Mendy had a relatively quiet game. Defensively, he was decent, but he didn’t offer much in terms of attacking threat. His passing was safe, but he rarely took risks, which sometimes stifled Madrid’s play on the left. Needs to be more adventurous to truly impact the game. He's got the skill, just needs to unleash it.

Midfielders

• Casemiro: (Rating: 8/10) Casemiro was an absolute beast in midfield. He broke up play, won tackles, and shielded the defense effectively. His presence allowed the more creative players to express themselves. He even popped up with a few dangerous runs forward. A true midfield maestro, dictating the tempo and providing essential steel.
• Toni Kroos: (Rating: 7.5/10) Kroos orchestrated the midfield with his usual elegance. His passing was pinpoint, and he controlled the tempo of the game. He created several chances with his vision and precise deliveries. However, he occasionally struggled with the physicality of Celta’s midfield. Still, a classy performance from the German maestro.
• Luka Modrić: (Rating: 8.5/10) Modrić was the star of the show in midfield. His energy, creativity, and dribbling skills were on full display. He glided past players, created numerous chances, and even got on the scoresheet with a brilliant goal. Age is just a number for this guy; he continues to defy expectations with every game. A vintage performance from the Croatian legend.

Forwards

• Vinícius Júnior: (Rating: 9/10) Vini Jr. was electric. His pace, dribbling, and directness caused Celta’s defense all sorts of problems. He scored a fantastic goal and was a constant threat throughout the match. His decision-making has improved significantly, making him an even more dangerous player. The kid is becoming a superstar right before our eyes!
• Karim Benzema: (Rating: 8/10) Benzema led the line with his usual class and intelligence. His movement was excellent, and he linked up well with the midfielders and wingers. He scored a crucial goal and was involved in several other attacking moves. A complete performance from the French forward, showcasing his importance to the team.
• Eden Hazard: (Rating: 6/10) Hazard came on as a substitute and showed glimpses of his former self. He had a few nice touches and dribbles, but he still lacks the sharpness and explosiveness that made him a world-beater. Hopefully, he can build on this performance and regain his confidence. The talent is there; he just needs to unlock it.

Celta Vigo Player Ratings

Now, let's shift our focus to Celta Vigo. They put up a decent fight, but were they good enough? Let's break it down.

Goalkeeper

• Matías Dituro: (Rating: 6/10) Dituro had a busy night. He made several decent saves, but he was ultimately beaten a few times. His distribution was okay, but he didn't command his area as effectively as he could have. A reasonable performance, but nothing spectacular.

Defenders

• Hugo Mallo: (Rating: 5.5/10) Mallo struggled to contain Vinícius Júnior on the right flank. He was often caught out of position and didn't offer much going forward. A tough night for the Celta captain.
• Joseph Aidoo: (Rating: 6/10) Aidoo had a decent game at center-back. He made some important tackles and interceptions, but he occasionally struggled with Benzema’s movement. A solid but unspectacular performance.
• Néstor Araújo: (Rating: 5.5/10) Araújo had a difficult time dealing with Real Madrid’s attacking threat. He was often caught flat-footed and didn't provide enough support to his fellow defenders. Needs to improve his awareness and positioning.
• Javi Galán: (Rating: 6.5/10) Galán was one of Celta’s better players. He defended diligently and offered some attacking threat on the left flank. He put in a good shift but couldn't prevent Madrid from scoring.

Midfielders

• Renato Tapia: (Rating: 6/10) Tapia worked hard in midfield, breaking up play and winning tackles. However, he lacked the creativity to unlock Real Madrid’s defense. A typical workmanlike performance.
• Denis Suárez: (Rating: 5.5/10) Suárez struggled to make an impact on the game. He was often crowded out by Real Madrid’s midfield and didn't create enough chances. A disappointing performance from the talented midfielder.
• Brais Méndez: (Rating: 6/10) Méndez showed flashes of quality but lacked consistency. He had a few nice passes and dribbles but didn't do enough to influence the game. Needs to be more decisive in the final third.

Forwards

• Iago Aspas: (Rating: 7/10) Aspas was Celta’s main attacking threat. He created a few chances and worked tirelessly upfront. However, he didn't receive enough support from his teammates. A spirited performance from the veteran striker.
• Santi Mina: (Rating: 5/10) Mina had a quiet game. He didn't offer much in terms of attacking threat and struggled to link up with Aspas. A disappointing performance.
• Franco Cervi: (Rating: 5.5/10) Cervi came on as a substitute and showed some energy, but he didn't create any clear-cut chances. Needs more time to settle into the team.

Key Takeaways

• Real Madrid’s Attacking Prowess: Real Madrid’s attacking players, especially Vinícius Júnior and Benzema, were in scintillating form. Their pace, skill, and movement caused Celta’s defense all sorts of problems.
• Midfield Dominance: Real Madrid’s midfield, led by Modrić and Casemiro, controlled the game. They broke up play, created chances, and dictated the tempo.
• Celta’s Struggles: Celta Vigo struggled to contain Real Madrid’s attacking threat and didn't create enough chances of their own. They need to improve their defense and find more creativity in midfield.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! A detailed breakdown of the player ratings from Real Madrid’s victory over Celta Vigo. Real Madrid showed their class and attacking firepower, while Celta Vigo struggled to keep up. What did you think of the ratings? Let us know in the comments below!