Real Madrid secured a convincing 3-0 win over Real Valladolid in their final La Liga fixture of the season. La LigaThe game took place at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium on a Sunday afternoon.
Federico Valverde and Brahim Diaz Secure Victory with Key Goals
This match was part of the 2024/25 La Liga season, marking an important fixture in the early stages of the campaign. The victory was particularly significant for Real Madrid, as it was their first win of the season, following a draw in the first game against Mallorca.
The scoring opened in the 50th minute when Federico Valverde converted a deflected free kick into the lower right corner of the goal. This goal came after a challenging first half, during which Valladolid's organized defense limited Real Madrid's offensive opportunities.
Valverde's free kick was the result of precise execution, angled in by Arda Guler and Rodrygo. The ball took a crucial deflection off Valladolid's Stanko Juric, breaking the deadlock and giving Real Madrid the necessary advantage.
Brahim Diaz extended the lead in the 88th minute with a deft finish past goalkeeper Karl Hein. Diaz received a precise long pass from Eder Militao, controlled the ball expertly and finished with a lofted shot from a difficult angle, securing a 2-0 win and effectively sealing the victory for Real Madrid.
Late in the match, Endrick made a remarkable impact on his Real Madrid debut. Replacing Kylian Mbappé late in the match, Endrick scored his first goal for the club in the 90+6th minute. He finished a counterattack initiated by Diaz with a precise right-footed shot to Hein's near post, adding a third goal to the scoreline.
Mbappé's performance
Mbappé, who had high expectations on his home debut, struggled throughout the match. His best chance came in the second half when he attempted a left-footed shot from Vinicius Junior's low cross, but Hein made a good save to deny him the goal.
Mbappé's performance was hampered by Valladolid's defensive approach, which surrounded him and limited his effectiveness. He was used as a lone striker, a role in which he found it difficult to perform his trademark moves and was less impactful compared to his usual role on the left wing.
The tactical approach to the match saw Real Madrid face a tough challenge against Valladolid's compact defensive formation in the first half. Valladolid's low block restricted space for Madrid's attacking players, including Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Mbappé.
However, the game improved for Real Madrid after the break, with Valverde's goal providing the necessary breakthrough, allowing them to impose their dominance and create more chances.
Arda Guler contributed with several chances during the match but was thwarted by Valladolid goalkeeper Karl Hein, who made a series of blocks and saves.
As the match progressed and Real Madrid looked to consolidate their victory, starting strikers Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Mbappé were substituted. Brahim Diaz, who came on as a substitute, played a significant role with his goal and assist.
The final score of 3-0, although slightly exaggerated considering the challenges faced, was a deserved result for Real Madrid.
😘🛡️ @Endrick #RealMadridRealValladolid pic.twitter.com/5ZBOccYBeT
- Real Madrid C.F. 🇧🇷🇵🇹 (@realmadridpt) August 26, 2024
Next Meeting
They will now focus on their next game, an away match against Las Palmas on Thursday night, which offers an opportunity to build on their first win of the season. With four points from their first two La Liga games, Real Madrid are looking to improve their position and strengthen their title defense.
Historically, Real Madrid has maintained a strong record against Real Valladolid, having won their last six meetings and kept a clean sheet in each of these matches, underlining their dominance in these clashes.