Real Madrid-Villarreal: Diomandé decisive, the funny entry of Vinicius, Mbappé without success and a match of butchers… The tops and the flops

TOPS

Diomandé, encouraging first

Kylian Mbappé is imperturbable. Returning from injury, the Frenchman was quick to stand out and saw his shot pushed back by the left post (7th). He does it again a few minutes later but Gulasci intervenes (21st). Overall, the former Leipzig player was clumsy and messy but had the merit of not giving up in the second half. The proof with this goal on the hour mark, his first in the colors of Real Madrid. Recruited at a high price (125 million euros), Diomandé seized his chance and asked to be seen again.

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Inexhaustible Valverde

The Uruguayan was everywhere. We could also wonder what position he played because his activity was so impressive, both in defense and attack. It is he who wakes up his team by delivering this decisive pass to Diomandé in the second half. Several times, Valverde tried to find his attackers, and in particular Mbappé, in depth. He had some waste (11 lost balls) but his energy was decisive.

Tchouameni raised the cursor

Like many of his teammates, the Frenchman went through the first period like a mirage. Too little present offensively, the former Bordeaux player however showed a different side in the second half. More aggressive, like this superb save 20 minutes from the end, Tchouameni also completed 40 passes out of 42 attempts.

FLOPS

Mbappé not very effective

He started strong with a post and a shot saved by Gulasci. Then, it was never served but was offered too little despite the percussion of Güler or Diomandé. His start to the second half is even ghostly. He gets his brushes tangled with 20 minutes to go instead of winding up. Mbappé ends up with a yellow card for protest. A real recovery match.

A Real more than at a trot

The Clasico against Barça is looming (October 25) and the Madrilenians can already tremble. Already fragile 20 days earlier in the derby against Atletico, the Merengue hardly reassured this Saturday evening. Opposed, of course, to a Villarreal team which remained on two consecutive victories, Mourinho's players lacked aggressiveness in defense, activity in the middle and realism up front. The proof, Vinicius JR entered the match very early. The second period was better but the content could be improved a lot.

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Vinicius' bad move

He had changed the match. His entry brought solutions, speed, like a shot and a nice pass for Diomandé (54th). The Brazilian had even done better by scoring the 2-0 goal... Before it was refused because the striker pulled Nathan Saliba's hair at the start of the action. Logically sanctioned with a red. A truly strange entry into the game.

A match of abysmal weakness

Are you looking for a sleeping pill? Rewatch this Real Madrid-Villarreal. Sleep assured! Messy actions, cards you name it (seven yellows, one red), borrowed attacks, not very aggressive defenses and confusing refereeing, this meeting will not have made anyone dream. Respect to the courageous supporters of both teams and to those who hoped to see a spectacle...