Luka Modric was the star of the show as Real Madrid secured a resounding 4-1 win over Celta Vigo in Matchweek 2 of the 2022/23 La Liga.
Real Madrid moved to the top of the La Liga standings after picking up their second win of the season when they defeated Celta Vigo 4-1 at Estadio de Balaidos on Saturday night.
Celta Vigo started the game brightly but were dealt an early setback as Renato Tapia handled the ball inside the box, gifting Real Madrid a penalty in the 12th minute. Karim Benzema stepped up and made no mistake, putting the champions in front. Around ten minutes later, the hosts were back on level terms, with Iago Aspas slotting home from the penalty spot after Eder Militao was guilty of handling the ball.
Franco Cervi came close to putting Celta ahead minutes later but missed narrowly before Luka Modric unleashed a stunning strike from the edge of the box to put Real Madrid ahead close to half-time. The home team started well in the second half as well, with Goncalo Paciencia missing narrowly.
Real Madrid made Celta Vigo’s profligacy pay as a swift counterattack ended with Vinicius Junior rounding their goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin and putting the ball into an empty net to make it 3-1. The Galicians could have pulled a goal back, but Joseph Aidoo missed a good chance before Los Blancos launched another electric counter, with Federico Valverde striking home a low effort in the 66th minute.
Real Madrid could have made it five in the final stages of the game after Benzema was fouled inside the Celta box. Instead of taking the resulting spot kick, the Frenchman let Eden Hazard have a shot, but the Belgian’s effort was well-saved. In the end, it did not hurt the champions, who secured a resounding win that sends them to the top of the table. Here are our player ratings for Carlo Ancelotti’s men.
Real Madrid Player Ratings
Thibaut Courtois: 6/10
The Belgian was not called into action all that much after being beaten narrowly from the penalty spot. He made just one save on the night, but some of his distribution from the back was not good enough.
Dani Carvajal: 6/10
An average display from the veteran defender on his return to the lineup as he had some good moments defensively. But he also had difficulties dealing with the marauding Javi Galan on occasions. Subbed off for the final twenty minutes or so.
Eder Militao: 5/10
Reinstated to the lineup, Militao had a forgetful night at the Balaidos. The Brazilian gave away the penalty in the first half with a handball and had difficulties coping with the threat of Paciencia on multiple occasions.
David Alaba: 7/10
Big win on the road. ¡Seguimos! ?? pic.twitter.com/v7hM4yJ16V
— David Alaba (@David_Alaba) August 20, 2022
Coming into the starting XI after scoring in the last game, Alaba was again critical to Real Madrid’s win as he got the assist for Modric’s goal after playing a part in winning the penalty for the first goal. The Austrian international was solid defensively before being taken off after a booking for a challenge on Aspas.
Ferland Mendy: 5/10
Another match, another subpar display from Ferland Mendy as he struggled to make any valuable contribution going forward while his defensive game was also hit and miss. He has struggled for three games in a row and Real Madrid could benefit from moving Alaba to left-back and starting Antonio Rudiger at centre-half.
Luka Modric: 8/10
The difference-maker for Real Madrid, Modric was once again a standout performer on the pitch as he got his team in front with a spectacular goal before setting Vinicius for the third goal with a glorious assist. Soon to be turning 37, the Croatian veteran continues to stand out among his teammates.
Celta Vigo fans gave Luka Modric a standing ovation when he was subbed off ? pic.twitter.com/oz7e2Q3SZe
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 20, 2022
Aurelien Tchouameni: 7/10
Amidst all the speculations and doubts about whether he can step into Casemiro’s shoes following the latter’s move to Manchester United, Tchouameni put in an assured display against Celta Vigo. The Frenchman was alert to threats and swept up anything that came in front of him, while he was aggressive in his tackles and displayed composure and quality on the ball. Started the counter for the fourth goal.
Eduardo Camavinga: 7/10
After a dodgy start to the game, the 19-year-old grew in stature and affected proceedings at both ends of the pitch. Camavinga was able to help out defensively while also driving forward with the ball at his feet. His runs also helped create space for those around him.
Federico Valverde: 6.5/10
Did not have the best of the first half but grew into the game with time before bagging a goal in the second half to make it 4-1. Valverde offered his usual energy and aggression, continuing to prove his value despite being deployed out of position.
Karim Benzema: 6.5/10
Another quiet night for Real Madrid’s skipper, who failed to have the impact on the proceedings that he usually does. But he still managed to get on the scoresheet with a well-taken penalty.
Vinicius Junior: 7.5/10
THE BALL FROM MODRIC. THE FINISH FROM VINICIUS.
WHAT A GOAL BY REAL MADRID ? pic.twitter.com/WXoqJwDC0Q
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 20, 2022
A fine display from the Brazilian international who caused all sorts of problems to the Celta Vigo right-back with his pace, movement and directness. Vinicius helped put the game to bed by scoring a fine individual goal before setting up the fourth goal for Valverde.
SUBSTITUTES
Antonio Rudiger: 6/10
Came on for Carvajal in the 70th minute. Made one good run forward.
Lucas Vazquez: N/A
Replaced Alaba with less than 15 minutes left.
Dani Ceballos: N/A
Subbed on for Modric and helped see out the game.
Eden Hazard: N/A
Came on in place of Vinicius with less than ten minutes left. Saw a penalty saved.
Marco Asensio: N/A
Late sub for Camavinga.
