Real Madrid – RB Salzburg: Player Ratings, Rodrygo and Vinicius on Fire!

Real Madrid delivered a stunning performance on Wednesday evening, securing a dominant 5-1 victory over RB Salzburg in a match where they were in control from start to finish. The star players of the night were undoubtedly Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Jr, both of whom scored a brace. Their brilliance, coupled with Kylian Mbappé’s contribution, allowed Los Blancos to demonstrate their full attacking potential. This significant win not only reaffirmed their position in the Champions League but also showcased their depth and offensive power under Carlo Ancelotti’s guidance.

Thibaut Courtois: 7

Thibaut Courtois had a relatively quiet night in goal, as Real Madrid’s defense dominated the game. The Belgian goalkeeper was rarely tested, as RB Salzburg struggled to land any serious shots on target. However, Courtois remained alert, making a few necessary saves when required. His leadership and confidence at the back were evident, and even in a relatively uneventful evening for him, he maintained his usual composure.

Federico Valverde: 7.5

With Lucas Vázquez suspended, Carlo Ancelotti once again called upon Federico Valverde to fill in at right-back, a position the Uruguayan continues to excel in. Valverde’s defensive solidity was impressive, as he consistently shut down Salzburg’s attacking threats. In addition to his defensive duties, Valverde also contributed offensively, with his surging runs down the flank and precise set-piece deliveries adding a dangerous dimension to Real Madrid’s play. A versatile and solid performance from the Uruguayan.

Raúl Asencio: 7

Young Raúl Asencio impressed once again with his calm and composed performance in central defense. Partnering Antonio Rüdiger, Asencio showed maturity beyond his years, confidently handling the minimal threat posed by Salzburg’s attackers. His precise passing and solid defending were key in helping his team maintain control throughout the match. Asencio’s steady growth continues to earn him more minutes in the first team.

Antonio Rüdiger: 7.5

Antonio Rüdiger was once again a commanding presence in the heart of Real Madrid’s defense. Dominant in aerial duels and quick to snuff out any potential threats from Salzburg, Rüdiger’s physicality and leadership were crucial in keeping the opposition at bay. His vocal presence and organizational skills ensured that the defense remained compact and efficient throughout the match, reinforcing his reputation as one of the team’s most reliable defenders.

Ferland Mendy: 6

Ferland Mendy returned to the starting lineup after being sidelined for a couple of matches, but his performance was a mixed bag. Defensively, Mendy was solid and prevented any significant threats down his side, but offensively, he struggled to make an impact. His attacking contributions were limited, with his runs lacking the usual conviction and his crosses failing to find their targets. While his defensive work was commendable, his overall contribution left room for improvement.

Dani Ceballos: 7.5

Dani Ceballos was the orchestrator in the midfield for Real Madrid, displaying excellent vision and passing ability. His presence in the center of the park allowed the team to dictate the tempo of the game, ensuring smooth transitions from defense to attack. Ceballos’ intelligent use of the ball and ability to link up play was crucial in breaking down Salzburg’s defensive lines. His assist for Vinicius Jr’s first goal highlighted his creativity and awareness, making him one of the standout performers on the night.

Luka Modric: 7

Luka Modric, captaining the team for the evening, demonstrated his vast experience and control in midfield. Although his mobility may have slowed somewhat with age, Modric’s decision-making and passing were still of the highest quality. His ability to maintain possession under pressure and distribute the ball quickly allowed Real Madrid to dominate the game. His steady and efficient performance helped maintain the balance in midfield, ensuring that the team controlled the game with ease.

Jude Bellingham: 8

Jude Bellingham continued to shine as one of Real Madrid’s most important players. His energy, technical ability, and vision were evident as he pulled the strings in midfield. Bellingham’s creative spark led to several dangerous opportunities, including a brilliant backheel assist for Rodrygo’s second goal. The English midfielder’s all-around contributions further solidified his place as one of the key figures in Ancelotti’s setup, with his ability to influence the game at both ends of the pitch.

Vinicius Jr: 8

Vinicius Jr had an eventful night, contributing a goal and an assist while also earning a yellow card for simulation. Despite a few uncharacteristic errors in decision-making, the Brazilian made his mark on the game with his sheer skill and pace. He played a crucial role in Rodrygo’s first goal, delivering a perfectly timed pass, and then took center stage with a brilliant solo effort for his first goal. His second goal, following another assist from Ceballos, capped off a highly effective performance. Vinicius continues to prove himself as one of the most dangerous players in world football.

Rodrygo Goes: 8.5

Rodrygo Goes was undoubtedly the man of the match, scoring a brilliant brace in the first half. His movement off the ball was exceptional, and his positioning allowed him to exploit Salzburg’s defensive weaknesses. The Brazilian’s ability to find space and finish clinically was on full display, and he played a major role in putting the game beyond Salzburg’s reach. His overall performance, both in terms of goals and his contribution to the build-up play, was a masterclass in attacking football.

Kylian Mbappé: 7

Kylian Mbappé had a relatively quiet evening compared to his usual explosive performances. Although he was not heavily involved in the build-up play and struggled to make a significant impact in the first half, he managed to score a goal in the second half. Capitalizing on an error from the Salzburg goalkeeper, Mbappé slotted home Madrid’s third goal with ease. While not his best performance, the French forward still added value with his clinical finishing.

Conclusion

Real Madrid’s resounding 5-1 victory over RB Salzburg was a comprehensive demonstration of their attacking prowess. Led by the stellar performances of Rodrygo and Vinicius, and with key contributions from Mbappé and Bellingham, the team showed just why they are one of the most formidable forces in European football. Their dominance was evident in every aspect of the game, from the defense to the attack. With this important win, Ancelotti’s men continue to build momentum as they push forward in the Champions League, further solidifying their claim as one of the favorites for the title.

Carinos Satya
Passionate about football since childhood, I have lived my dream of becoming a sports journalist. Today, I proudly dedicate my writing to Real Madrid, a legendary club that has captivated me since the days of iconic players like Fernando Hierro, Raúl, Guti, and Luis Figo.