Mbappé unstoppable. Player ratings for Real Madrid in their match against Valladolid by Dailysports

The La Liga leader faced the main outsider. What expectations could there have been? Real Madrid played in energy-saving mode, but still easily dominated the opponent.

Although this text is about Real Madrid, it’s worth giving a little praise to Valladolid. The team didn’t sit in a low block or play with 5 defenders, as many teams do against the "Galacticos." On the contrary, they chose to play in a 4-3-3 formation with the clear intention to attack. It’s a shame they wanted to attack, but couldn’t build proper attacks (so the praise is limited).

• Tensions at Real Valladolid: Ronaldo avoids fans and faces criticism

Best Players of the Match for Real Madrid:

Kylian Mbappé

Two goals from open play, each from a rather difficult angle, plus a penalty goal. It can now be said with certainty that the top scorer has finished his adaptation period in Madrid and is ready to return to the top. Is the Ballon d'Or next?

Jude Bellingham

Ancelotti has found a new role for Jude. In recent matches, he has been shifting to the same area at the edge of the opponent’s box, where he plays as a target man. Playing through him, the forwards (today, Mbappé and also Vinícius) try to break free and go one-on-one with the goalkeeper. This tactic works, albeit with difficulty. In this position, Jude is right in the middle of the opponent’s defense, and he has just one touch, one second, and a few centimeters of space for a pass. But if anyone can handle that, it’s the Englishman.

Aurélien Tchouaméni

Tchouaméni gets a lot of criticism. Perhaps he receives too much. A defensive midfielder who was forced into a central defensive role and had to adapt on the go. Honestly, it's one of the most thankless roles – one mistake can undo all his accomplishments in the eyes of the viewers.

Yes, Aurélien isn’t a perfect center-back, but he’s improving with every match. Often, he ends up being the player with the most defensive actions – like today (12). That’s much more than his partner, Rüdiger (today, 5 actions).

Real Madrid Player Ratings for the Match:

• Aguado L. - (too little play time)
• Alaba D. - 6
• Asensio R. - 7
• Bellingham J. - 9
• Valverde F. - 7
• Garcia F. - 7
• Güler A. - 7
• Díaz B. - 7
• Endrick - (too little play time)
• Courtois T. - 7
• Mbappé K. - 10
• Modrić L. - 6
• Rodrygo - 8
• Rüdiger A. - 7
• Ceballos D. - 7
• Tchouaméni O. - 8