Real Madrid 5-1 Valencia (11 Nov, 2023) Game Analysis

Brazilian duo Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo put on a show at the Bernabeu Stadium as they scored twice to lead Real Madrid to a 5-1 victory over Valencia in La Liga on Saturday.

Madrid opened the scoring in the third minute, when full-back Dani Carvajal fired a half-volley from the edge of the area after lifting the ball over Valencia defender José Gayà with a brilliant first touch.

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Toni Kroos sent a free-kick onto the crossbar shortly after but, despite the hosts’ early domination, Valencia’s Hugo Duro had two good chances to score in the space of a few minutes which goalkeeper Andriy Lunin denied with some great saves from close range.

However, Vinícius and Rodrygo posed a constant threat to the Valencia defense, creating several chances before finally working together to increase the lead in the 42nd minute.

Rodrygo raced down the right touchline and crossed low to Vinícius who lunged towards the ball to score with his shoulder in a fabulous diving effort common in foot-volleyball matches played on the beaches of his hometown of Rio de Janeiro.

In his first match against Valencia after being subjected to racist abuse from some of his supporters in May, Vinícius looked possessed and struck again shortly after half-time when hitting a clinical curling shot from the left. entrance to the surface.

Rodrygo extended his lead a minute later, tapping in from close range after intercepting a poor touch from goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Rodrygo put a sparkle on the scoreline with a fine individual effort in the 84th minute, dribbling past two defenders before scoring a fine finish to the goalkeeper’s left.

Striker Hugo Duro scored Valencia’s consolation goal two minutes from time with a close-range strike.

“It was a very good match,” Real manager Carlo Ancelotti told DAZN.

“From start to finish, we showed all the quality we had. Attitude, courage. It was a very well played match.

“Everyone kept their promises, everyone [players]. When Rodrygo and Vinícius have a good day, it’s because many opportunities have been created. The game was a perfect reflection of that.”

Madrid are second in the table with 32 points, two behind surprise leaders Girona, who beat Rayo Vallecano 2-1 earlier on Saturday.

Barcelona are third with 27 points and face lowly Alaves on Sunday.