Player Ratings: Real Madrid 2-1 Rayo Vallecano; 2025 La Liga
In a tightly contested La Liga clash at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid edged past Rayo Vallecano with a 2-1 victory. While the win keeps Los Blancos firmly in the title race, it was far from a vintage performance.
Aurelien Tchouameni and Luka Modric stood out in midfield, providing the stability and creativity needed to secure the three points. Below, we break down the full match player ratings and analyse how each individual fared in this crucial La Liga encounter.
Andriy Lunin—7/10
Andriy Lunin had a busy evening between the sticks, making five saves and facing a total of 20 shots from Rayo Vallecano. While he couldn’t keep a clean sheet, his composure and shot-stopping ability were vital in ensuring Real Madrid walked away with the win. It was far from a quiet day at the office for the Ukrainian, who continues to prove his worth as a reliable option in goal.
Lucas Vazquez—5.5/10
Lucas Vazquez got forward well, overlapping with intent and providing width on the right flank. However, his final product in the offensive third left much to be desired. Whether it was his crossing or decision-making in key moments, Vazquez lacked the sharpness needed to truly impact the game.
Raul Asencio—5.5/10
It was a rare off day for the young defender. Raul Asencio struggled with misplaced passes and was caught out of position on more than one occasion. While his potential is undeniable, this performance highlighted the growing pains of a player still adapting to the demands of top-flight football.
David Alaba—8/10
David Alaba was a bright spot in an otherwise disjointed defensive display. The Austrian showcased his excellent ball progression and made countless blocks, putting his body on the line to deny Rayo Vallecano. His leadership and experience were crucial in keeping Real Madrid’s backline organised under pressure.
Fran Garcia—5/10
Fran Garcia made dangerous runs down the left flank but lacked the confidence to take on his man or deliver an incisive cross. While his energy was commendable, his reluctance to take risks in the final third limited his effectiveness.
Aurelien Tchouameni—8.5/10
Aurelien Tchouameni was the standout performer in midfield. The Frenchman was instrumental in breaking up play and distributing the ball with precision. His ability to play quick, sharp passes out of pressure was key to Real Madrid’s transitions. Since his return to form against Celta Vigo, Tchouameni has been a consistent force in the heart of the team.
Luka Modric—8/10
At 39, Luka Modric continues to defy age with his timeless performances. The Croatian maestro created a team-high four key passes, including a big chance for Vinicius Junior that was unfortunately squandered. His vision and composure in midfield were vital in unlocking Rayo Vallecano’s stubborn defence.
Jude Bellingham—6/10
Jude Bellingham looked rusty on his return to the starting XI. While he worked hard defensively, his impact on the ball and in the final third was limited. It’s clear that the Englishman is still regaining his rhythm after a spell on the sidelines.
Rodrygo—6/10
Rodrygo had a quiet game on the right side of the attack. The Brazilian struggled to make his mark and was substituted in the 68th minute to rest ahead of the upcoming fixtures. While his work rate was commendable, he lacked the cutting edge needed to influence the game.
Vinicius Junior—7/10
Vinicius Junior once again showcased his individual brilliance with a stunning goal. The Brazilian winger took on three Rayo defenders before slotting the ball into the back of the net. However, he missed a golden opportunity created by Modric and hit the post with a long-range effort. Despite these missed chances, his goal proved decisive.
Kylian Mbappe—6.5/10
Kylian Mbappe’s goal was a moment of sheer class, as he combined individual skill with a clinical finish. However, the French forward missed several other big opportunities, which could have made the game more comfortable for Real Madrid. The goal will boost his confidence, but there’s still room for improvement in his overall contribution.Substitutes
Eduardo Camavinga—5/10
Eduardo Camavinga’s introduction brought energy but also needless fouls. The young midfielder needs to find a balance between aggression and discipline to maximise his impact off the bench.
Fede Valverde—6/10
Fede Valverde provided defensive stability on the right side of midfield after coming on. His work rate and tactical awareness helped Real Madrid see out the game.
Brahim Diaz—N/A
Brahim Diaz was introduced in the 86th minute and had little time to make an impact.
Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano was a hard-fought win that highlighted both the team’s strengths and areas for improvement. While Tchouameni and Modric shone in midfield, the performance also exposed vulnerabilities in defence and attack.
As the La Liga title race heats up, Carlo Ancelotti will need to address these issues to ensure his team maintains its momentum. For now, though, the three points are what matter most, and Real Madrid can take pride in grinding out a result when not at their best.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as Real Madrid continue their quest for La Liga glory in the 2025 season!
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