2024-08-16 07:05:02
Full match playe ratings below:
Thibaut Courtois—7: Accumulated a ton of touches (55 touches vs Mbappe who had 44) on the ball due to the nature of Atalanta’s 1-on-1 high pressing scheme. Courtois as an option on the ball gave Madrid a +1 in possession but his long balls were often overhit. Put together an incredible save from a Pasalic header at the start of the second half.
Dani Carvajal—7.5: First game back but did not miss a beat and continued his good form. Often made central runs and inverted his position to provide an outlet in build-up. Had a number of good tactical fouls to deny Atalanta a dangerous counter.
Eder Militao—7: A couple of fantastic toe poke challenges to win the ball in dangerous moments for Atalanta.
Toni Rudiger—7: An important recovery run late in the first half to deny Lookman a 1v1 against Thibaut Courtois.
Ferland Mendy—7: Zappacosta and Charles De Ketelaere posed a challenge to the Frenchman with their energy and off ball movement. Ferland defended well at the back post and stepped out high on the wing to win the ball back.
Tchouameni—6: In the first half, was stretched thin in midfield and too often left his pivot position to needlessly pressure and extend too much energy. Improved dramatically in the second half by playing much closer to the back four and holding his position.
Fede Valverde—7: Good and bad moments — won duels high up the pitch which led to opportunities in the final third but also struggled with some of his passing from deep positions to help Madrid escape pressure. Found good positions inside the box offensively and was rewarded with a goal to open the scoring.
Jude Bellingham—9: Sensational performance – take a bow, Jude Bellingham. A number of silky smooth turns out of pressure and feints to lose his mark. Had to cover a massive amount of ground in midfield given the lack of compactness from the team on both sides of the ball. Despite all the energy exerted, managed to find a number of good goal scoring positions and was unlucky not to nick a goal or two. Registered an assist with a perfect pass to Mbappe inside the box.
Vinicius Junior—7: A bit out of rhythm with the final ball being forced and rarely finding his target but in typical Vinicius Junior fashion found one magic moment with a change of pace to tee up Fede Valverde for the first goal of the season. A decisive player even in games when he is not at his best.
Rodrygo—6.5: Played primarily on the right but had the ability to interchange with Mbappe (central) and Vini (left). Best opportunity of the first half fell to Rodrygo, on the left, receiving a pass from Vini on the right. The Brazilian’s off-balance shot his the crossbar. Helped create the Mbappe goal, Madrid’s second, with an important challenge high up the pitch and the subsequent pass to Vinicius. Took up responsibility as the new de-facto set-piece taker.
Kylian Mbappe—6: Glimpses of his talent but forced to play a lot of the game with his back to goal in the first half. Began the second half playing primarily on the left wing and immediately impacted the game with an early shot and followed by a threaded pass to Bellingham in the box. Faded in and out of the game but was handed a goal on a platter thanks to a Jude Bellingham pass inside the box.
Substitutions:
Brahim Diaz—7: Great on the half turn and finding spaces in between the line.
Luka Modric—7: Executed his passes to perfection and brought additional quality on to the pitch.
Arda Guler / Dani Ceballos / Lucas Vazquez—N/A: 89th minute substitutions to see out the game.
