Real Madrid kicked off their home campaign in the 2024-25 La Liga season with a commanding 3-0 victory over Real Valladolid at the Santiago Bernabéu. The match, which had been eagerly anticipated by fans, not only delivered Madrid’s first win of the season but also witnessed the emergence of young Brazilian talent Endrick, who scored his debut goal for the club. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the match, its key moments, and what this win means for Real Madrid moving forward.
First Half: A Battle of Tactics and Patience
The match began with Real Madrid asserting their dominance in possession, controlling nearly 70% of the ball throughout the first half. Despite their control, the Madridistas found it challenging to break down a well-drilled Valladolid defense. Valladolid’s game plan was clear: defend deep, absorb pressure, and try to catch Madrid on the break.
Madrid’s front line, led by the pace of Vinicius Junior and the newly acquired Kylian Mbappe, struggled to find space against Valladolid’s disciplined backline. The midfield trio of Tchouameni, Valverde, and Guler worked tirelessly to create opportunities, but Valladolid’s compact shape limited their effectiveness. The best chance of the half fell to Mbappe, who saw his shot blocked by the Valladolid goalkeeper after a slick move by Vinicius. However, the first 45 minutes ended goalless, with Madrid having only one shot on target out of four attempts.
Second Half: Madrid’s Persistence Pays Off
The second half saw a noticeable shift in Real Madrid’s approach. Carlo Ancelotti’s half-time talk appeared to have invigorated his players, as they came out with more urgency and aggression. Within five minutes of the restart, Madrid won a free kick about 25 meters from the Valladolid goal. Fede Valverde, known for his powerful strikes, stepped up and delivered a low, curling shot that nestled into the bottom right corner, leaving the Valladolid goalkeeper with no chance. The Bernabéu erupted in celebration as Madrid took a 1-0 lead.
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This goal forced Valladolid to abandon their defensive posture and push forward in search of an equalizer. However, this also opened up more space for Madrid to exploit, and they did so with devastating effect.
Substitutions Spark Late Drama
As the match entered its final stages, Ancelotti introduced Brahim Diaz and Luka Modric to inject fresh energy into the midfield. The substitutions paid off almost immediately. In the 88th minute, Brahim Diaz, who had been a lively presence since coming on, received a long cross-field pass from Rodrygo. With Valladolid’s goalkeeper rushing out to close him down, Brahim calmly chipped the ball over him, doubling Madrid’s lead and effectively sealing the victory.
But Madrid wasn’t finished yet. In the 86th minute, Endrick, the 18-year-old Brazilian wonderkid, was brought on for Kylian Mbappe. Endrick’s introduction was met with roaring applause from the home crowd, eager to see the young star in action. Their excitement was justified when, in the 96th minute, Brahim Diaz provided a perfectly weighted pass to Endrick inside the box. Showing composure beyond his years, Endrick sidestepped a defender and slotted the ball into the net, marking his first goal for Real Madrid. The crowd erupted in jubilation, celebrating not just the goal but the arrival of a new star.
Match Statistics: A Dominant Performance
- Possession: Real Madrid dominated with 64% of the ball.
- Shots: Madrid registered 17 shots, with 9 on target. Valladolid, while struggling to create clear chances, managed 8 shots, though none were on target.
- Key Passes: Modric, Diaz, and Valverde were instrumental in Madrid’s build-up play, creating numerous opportunities through incisive passing.
Player Ratings: Standout Performances
- Thibaut Courtois: 7 – A quiet evening, but made two crucial saves to maintain the clean sheet.
- Fede Valverde: 8 – His goal set the tone for Madrid’s second-half dominance. A dynamic presence in midfield.
- Brahim Diaz: 9 – A game-changer off the bench, contributing with a goal and an assist.
- Endrick: 8 – The young star made a memorable impact with his debut goal, showing great promise for the future.
Tactical Analysis: Ancelotti’s Masterstroke
Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical adjustments at half-time were pivotal in turning the game in Madrid’s favor. Recognizing the need for more creativity and urgency, he encouraged his midfielders to push higher up the pitch and press Valladolid more aggressively. This shift disrupted Valladolid’s defensive shape and created the space needed for Madrid’s attackers to operate effectively.
The introduction of Brahim Diaz and Luka Modric added a new dimension to Madrid’s play, with Diaz’s pace and directness complementing Modric’s experience and composure. Endrick’s late cameo was the icing on the cake, providing Madrid with not just a third goal but also a glimpse of the future.
Conclusion: A Promising Start to the Season
Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Real Valladolid is more than just three points; it’s a statement of intent. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging talents like Endrick, Madrid looks well-equipped to challenge on all fronts this season. As they prepare for upcoming fixtures against Las Palmas and Real Betis, this win will serve as a confidence booster and a foundation to build upon.
The Bernabéu faithful will be particularly excited about the potential of young stars like Endrick, who could become a key figure for Madrid in the years to come. For now, though, Madrid can savor a well-earned victory and look forward to the challenges ahead.
