A convincing defeat. Real Madrid players' ratings in the match against Salzburg from Dailysports
Luis Torres
Dailysports's expert
Real Madrid isn’t exactly setting the Champions League alight this season. Yes, it’s still the group stage, and knowing Los Blancos, they usually shift into high gear in the playoffs. But it would be shocking if they didn’t make it out of the group! Before this match, they were dangerously close to that scenario.
Perhaps that’s why Madrid decided to go all out and completely dismantle their opponents. RB Salzburg had some decent moments in attack but couldn’t cope with the skill of the Madrid players on defense—they’re simply not on the same level. Real Madrid’s next match will be away to Brest.
Both teams still have at least theoretical chances of advancing to the playoffs without playoff ties. However, both are already guaranteed a spot in the playoffs, even if they lose the final game. It’ll be interesting to see if Real Madrid will aim for another rout or relax and save energy for the knockout stage.
Real Madrid’s standout players
- Rodrygo + Jude Bellingham
Rodrygo scored two goals, both assisted by Jude.
Usually, Rodrygo operates somewhat in the shadows, as most of Madrid’s attacks are built down the opposite flank. But today showcased a different tactic: while attacks flowed down the left, this freed up Rodrygo on the right, giving him plenty of space. Vinícius systematically delivered long passes to Rodrygo’s side, one of which led to the first goal, with Jude perfectly adjusting the ball.
The second assist from Jude was entirely his doing—a spectacular backheel pass, almost blind, to Rodrygo, who had shifted to the left flank by then.
- Vinícius Júnior
While the assist for the first goal was officially credited to Bellingham, it’s fair to say it should belong to Vinícius, as he provided the diagonal ball. Perhaps his two goals later were justice for the earlier “stolen” contribution.
Notably, Mbappé, Rodrygo, and Bellingham are often subbed off around the 60-70th minute. Vinícius, however, plays the full match, remaining the crucial link in Madrid’s attack—even with Mbappé’s arrival, he continues to be indispensable.
- Federico Valverde
Federico had a solid, albeit unspectacular, performance. He registered an assist late in the game. But why is he among the best? Valverde, primarily a midfielder who plays on the right or in the center, was deployed as a right-back in this match. He excelled in the unfamiliar role, leading Madrid in defensive actions (10). This highlights Valverde’s versatility and why Carlo Ancelotti values him so highly.
Real Madrid player ratings:
- David Alaba – 6
- Marco Asensio – 7
- Jude Bellingham – 8
- Federico Valverde – 8
- Vinícius Júnior – 9
- Arda Güler – 7
- Brahim Díaz – 6
- Endrick – 6
- Thibaut Courtois – 7
- Kylian Mbappé – 7
- Ferland Mendy – 7
- Luka Modrić – 8
- José Ramón – 6
- Rodrygo – 9
- Antonio Rüdiger – 7
- Dani Ceballos – 7
