Real Madrid 3-1 Villarreal player ratings: Vinicius Junior steals the show at the Santiago Bernabeu | OneFootball

Real Madrid are back to the top of La Liga – for now at least – after securing a 3-1 victory over Villarreal. Here’s how their players got on at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Player ratings

Thibaut Courtois – 6.5

Made a brilliant 1-on-1 save to deny Tani Oluwaseyi in the first half, but aside of that, had little to do. Had no chance in stopping Georges Mikautadze’s goal.

Federico Valverde – 7

Much has been made of Valverde’s willingness, or lack there of, to play at right-back, but he was solid there against Villarreal.

Eder Militao – 6

Arguably his worst performance of the season. Struggled defensively at times, although his wonderful cross-field pass did lead to Real Madrid’s opening goal.

Dean Huijsen – 7

Solid performance on the whole, although there was a couple of occasions where he was beaten too easily.

Alvaro Carreras – 6.5

Good in the first half, but struggled after the interval when up against Nicolas Pepe.

Aurelien Tchouameni – 7

Dependable performance from Tchouameni, who continues to establish himself as a key player.

Dani Ceballos – 6.5

Solid enough from Ceballos before he was withdrawn on the hour mark.

Franco Mastantuono – 6.5

Tried hard, but without success. Should have scored in the first half, but he was denied by a fine block.

Arda Guler – 6

Very quiet, uncharacteristically so given his start to the season.

Vinicius Junior – 9

Standout performance from Vinicius, who scored twice – one of which was a penalty that he won. It was a display that was very reminiscent from before the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Image via Angel Martinez/Getty Images

Kylian Mbappe – 7.5

Not at his best, but still walked away with a goal and assist. Real Madrid will hope that his injury concern is nothing serious.

Substitutes

Jude Bellingham – 6.5

Involved in most of the play during his 30-minute cameo, which was in stark contrast to Guler. Xabi Alonso will have a decision to make on those two after the international break.

Eduardo Camavinga – 6.5

Looked good on and off the ball during his time on the pitch.

Brahim Diaz – 6.5

Got the assist for Mbappe’s goal, and could have scored himself in the latter stages.

Rodrygo Goes – 6

Little time to make an impact.