Real Madrid player ratings against Espanyol: Vinicius Junior keeps title race alive at RCDE Stadium
Real Madrid player ratings against Espanyol: Vinicius Junior keeps title race alive at RCDE Stadium Real Madrid sealed an important 2-0 victory over Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium on Sunday evening, with both goals scored by Vinicius Junior. Andriy Lunin – 7 Made an impressive point-blank save to deny Espanyol right before half time. He dealt well with everything that came his way.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6 His defensive drawbacks are there for all to see, and this was another case of them on show. Espanyol targeted his side regularly, although they could not take advantage. Antonio Rudiger – 7 Solid, as he has been for most of the matches he’s played in recent months.
He’s full deserved the reported contract offer that’s on the table from Real Madrid. Dean Huijsen – 7 It’s not been an easy first start at the Bernabeu for Huijsen, but this was certainly one of his better performances. He was dominant in the air, while he completed well when the ball was on the pitch.
Ferland Mendy – 6 Lasted only 14 minutes before picking up yet another muscle injury, which is likely to bring his season to a premature end. Aurelien Tchouameni – 7 As has so often been the case this season, Tchouameni did his job well in the centre of the park. It’s no surprise Real Madrid were much more solid here compared to last weekend against Real Betis, a match he missed because of suspension.
Thiago Pitarch – 6 After a promising start to his time in the Real Madrid first team, he’s starting to look out of his depth – although playing him as an outside midfielder, a role he’s clearly not familiar with, isn’t helping him. Fede Valverde – 7 Strong showing from Real Madrid’s captain, who competed well on the right side of midfield before moving centrally in the second half. Jude Bellingham – 7 A few nice moments, and he got the assist for Vinicius’ second goal.