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On Sunday, Real Madrid bounced back from a disappointing draw last week by securing a 3-0 victory against Real Valladolid at the Santiago Bernabéu. However, the win did not come easy, as the team endured a frustrating first half before turning things around after the break. The match was particularly notable for Endrick, the young Brazilian forward, who scored his first goal for the club.
Disappointing first half for Los Blancos
With Jude Bellingham sidelined due to injury, Carlo Ancelotti had to shuffle his attacking lineup. The front four consisted of Vinícius Júnior, Arda Güler, Rodrygo, and Kylian Mbappé. Despite the talent on display, Real Madrid struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half. Mbappé, often isolated, was largely uninvolved in the play. The only moment of excitement came when the French star struck a difficult volley, forcing a save from Real Valladolid’s goalkeeper Karl Hein.
The first half was a disappointment, with both teams combining for a mere Expected Goals (xG) value of 0.09, one of the lowest ever recorded in La Liga history according to Opta.
Valverde breaks the deadlock
After the break, Real Madrid needed a set-piece to break the deadlock. Federico Valverde unleashed a powerful free-kick that pierced through the wall and into the net, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead. The game opened up slightly after the goal, with Rodrygo squandering a golden opportunity to double the lead. The Brazilian forward mishit a simple pass that would have likely resulted in a goal.
Late goals secure the victory
Real Valladolid, however, posed little threat, allowing Real Madrid to maintain control of the match. Ancelotti's side eventually sealed the victory with two goals from substitutes. Brahim Díaz latched onto a long ball and cleverly finished past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0. Endrick then added the final touch, scoring his first goal for Real Madrid with a skillful finish into the near corner after a slick dribble.
Crucial win after disappointing draw
The victory was a welcome relief for Real Madrid following their 1-1 draw against Real Mallorca in the previous round. Despite the unconvincing performance, the three points were crucial as Los Blancos aim to stay competitive at the top of La Liga.
