Real Madrid kicked off their Champions League final preparations in style against Alaves, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr putting on an attacking clinic as Los Blancos pieced together a 5-0 romp.
Bellingham scored once and assisted twice, while Vinicius bagged a clinical brace, the La Liga champions setting an ominous tone for Borussia Dortmund ahead of the final in early June.
Madrid controlled the game early, and were good value for their opener. Bellingham provided it, a sliced volley fortuitously looping into the net after 10 minutes. Vinicius scored the second, completing a fluid team move with an easy finish into an open net.
Federico Valverde buried the third on the brink of half time, lashing home at the near post to put the game beyond doubt.
Los Blancos created less in the second half, but still enjoyed their moments. Bellingham and Vinicius combined for the fourth goal, the former dinking a ball to his Brazilian teammate – who lashed it into the top corner from a tight angle. Arda Guler guided home a final strike, capping off a fine cameo.
There could have been more. Rodrygo came close on a handful of occasions, while cleaner moments around the box saw this fall short of a total embarrassment for the visitors. Still, Los Blancos were dominant, and worth every bit of the margin of victory.
GOAL rates Real Madrid’s players from the Santiago Bernabeu…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Thibaut Courtois (8/10):
Made an excellent stop to keep things at 0-0 within 70 seconds. Stood up a few more times to hang on to the clean sheet.
Dani Carvajal (7/10):
Didn’t get forward as much as in recent weeks, but did his defensive work well.
Eder Militao (6/10):
Another solid shift as he works his way back from a serious knee injury. Interesting to see if he gets a shout for the UCL final.
Nacho (7/10):
Dealt with the busy Samu reasonably well, and was assured on the ball when he had it. A good showing, all told.
Ferland Mendy (6/10):
Played more of a shielding role than anything, but was excellent in his 1v1s.
Midfield
Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):
A lovely piece of skill set up Vinicius’ goal. Recycled possession, and won his tackles. A classy showing at the base of midfield.
Toni Kroos (8/10):
Pinged the ball around from central midfield. Completed 97% of his passes. Assisted Bellingham’s goal and was instrumental in Vinicius’ first.
Federico Valverde (8/10):
Covered loads of ground, put a few shots on goal, and smashed one in.
Jude Bellingham (9/10):
Excellent throughout. Full of neat twists and turns, and kept the ball moving. His goal was slightly lucky, but neither of his assists were. He’s in scary form.
Attack
Rodrygo (7/10):
Went on some mazy runs, created two chances, unfortunate not to find the net. The goals have dried up, but his attacking impetus has gone nowhere.
Vinicius Jr (8/10):
Couldn’t miss from close range to get on the scoresheet. Took his second goal wonderfully. Not his best game on the ball, but he was immensely clinical here.
Subs & Manager
Arda Guler (8/10):
Took his goal well, and was lively on the ball. He’s finding form.
Antonio Rudiger (7/10):
Replaced Militao for 20 comfortable minutes.
Dani Ceballos (5/10):
A bit loose in a 20 minute cameo.
Mario Martin (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Carlo Ancelotti (8/10):
Went for a full strength side to keep the legs fresh ahead of the Champions League final in early June. Los Blancos were excellent throughout, and good value for their win. Beware, BVB.
