- No Casemiro, no issue
Genuine Madrid’s midfield was continuously going to go under examination in the principal outing of the post-Casemiro period, after the midfielder’s £70 million move to Manchester United was affirmed a day sooner.
Around here at Balaidos it was Aurelien Tchouameni – – selected at significantly more prominent cost recently – – who moved forward to console Madrid fans that there is life after that unbelievable midfield triplet of Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
Kroos didn’t highlight here, missing with influenza, however Modric – – still in some way getting better matured 36 – – was lofty close by Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga. He put Madrid ahead with a brand name twisting shot before half-time and later played a visionary pass for Vinicius Junior to make it 3-1 after the break.
There was a lot to like about Tchouameni’s presentation as well. The youthful France midfielder appeared to fill in certainty and authority as the match went on.
That third objective started with Tchouameni’s block inside the Real Madrid punishment region, before Modric and Vinicius wrapped up – – and it was his driving midfield run that made Madrid’s fourth objective, polished off by Fede Valverde.
There are more prominent difficulties ahead, and like any youthful player, Tchouameni will have great and terrible days, however this was an exceptionally reassuring beginning.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2022/01/08/3282825-67173768-2560-1440.jpg "Real Madrid Casemiro from whip out Celta Vigo, show's that why they are LaLiga's favourites again 2")
2. Centre-back dilemma for Ancelotti
Militao made another high-profile mistake here though — handling the ball for Celta’s first-half penalty equaliser — while Rudiger came off the bench to catch the eye with another physically dominant display.
Rudiger’s LaLiga debut at Almeria last weekend was hardly flawless, but you wonder how long Ancelotti can continue to omit a player with his character, experience and athleticism.
One rampaging run upfield, before exchanging passes with , karim Benzima led to Madrid being awarded a second penalty of the night, which was missed by substitute Eden Hazard.
Madrid’s squad this year is packed with talent, and Rudiger has already shown an unexpected versatility, filling in in both full-back positions, but he’ll be keen to play more before too long, with Militao looking most likely to drop out.
Player evaluations
Genuine Madrid: Thibaut Courtois, 6. Dani Carvajal, 6. David Alaba, 7. Eder Militao, 5. Ferland Mendy, 6. Aurelien Tchouameni, 8. Eduardo Camavinga, 7. Luka Modric, 8. Fede Valverde, 7. Vinicius Junior, 8. Karim Benzema, 7.
Subs: Antonio Rudiger, 7. Dani Ceballos, 6. Lucas Vazquez, 6. Eden Hazard, 5. Marco Asensio, 6.
Celta Vigo: Agustin Marchesin, 7. Hugo Mallo, 7. Joseph Aidoo, 6. Unai Nunez, 6. Javi Galan, 7. Renato Tapia, 5. Fran Beltran, 7. Oscar Rodriguez, 6. Franco Cervi, 7. Iago Aspas, 7. Goncalo Paciencia, 6.
Subs: Carles Perez, 6. Gabriel Veiga, 6. Luca de la Torre, 6.
Best and most horrendously awful entertainers
BEST: Luka Modric, Real Madrid.
Extraordinary. Helped the more youthful midfielders close by him, scored the objective of the game, and made the significant third for Vinicius which put Madrid carefullyconcealed.
Most horrendously awful: Eder Militao, Real Madrid.
His exhibitions – – and particularly his focus – – need to improve, or Rudiger will be in the group after a short time.
Features and outstanding minutes
Karim Benzema, the best player in LaLiga last season, scored his initial objective of the 2022-23 mission.