Player Ratings: Talavera 2-3 Real Madrid

Real Madrid secured a victory against Talavera, but the match was far from comfortable. Despite fielding a largely altered lineup, Real Madrid displayed moments of brilliance in both possession and attack. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. late in the game, a lack of composure and intensity among some substitutes nearly cost them the win.

**Player Ratings**

**Starters**

* **Andriy Lunin — 8:** Lunin delivered an outstanding performance, making two crucial saves, including a game-saving stop in the dying moments to prevent the match from going to extra time.

* **David Jiménez — 7:** Jiménez had a commendable debut, exhibiting composure on the ball and delivering several quality crosses into the penalty area. He wasn't to blame for the conceded goal, as he was left to defend against two attackers alone.

* **Dean Huijsen — 7.5:** Huijsen demonstrated strong ball progression from the back and confidently stepped into midfield. Although he gave the ball away cheaply on a few occasions, his overall performance was solid.

* **Álvaro Carreras — 6.5:** Carreras was tidy in possession and comfortable in build-up play. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. he struggled defensively towards the end of the match as Talavera increased their attacking pressure.

* **Fran García — 5.5:** García had a mixed night defensively. He allowed a run in behind for the first goal conceded and was dispossessed too easily at times.

* **Franco Mastantuono — 6:** Mastantuono displayed glimpses of quality with his dribbling skills but lacked a final product. He had a strange moment when he handled the ball in open play, avoided a penalty, and was immediately subbed off by Xabi Alonso.

* **Dani Ceballos — 7.5:** Ceballos orchestrated the tempo and controlled the game from a deep-lying position for a significant portion of the match. His substitution in the 86th minute coincided with Real Madrid losing control of the game.

* **Arda Güler — 8:** Güler was central to Real Madrid’s possession-based play. He consistently played vertical passes and posed a threat from set pieces throughout the night, proving to be one of the team's most reliable performers.

* **Endrick — 8:** Endrick was arguably Real Madrid’s best player. He created two excellent opportunities for Mbappé with beautiful passes that deserved assists. His performance was sharp, intelligent, and constantly involved.

* **Gonzalo García — 7:** García demonstrated strong link-up and hold-up play. He got on the end of two good crosses but failed to convert either chance.

* **Kylian Mbappé — 8:** Despite missing two clear-cut chances that should have sealed the victory, Mbappé's overall impact was undeniable. He was involved in all three goals and ultimately proved decisive.

**Substitutes**

* **Rodrygo Goes — 6:** Rodrygo immediately showcased his quality with a sharp turn on his first touch. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. he spent the majority of his time pinned deep on the right wing.

* **Aurélien Tchouaméni — 4:** Tchouaméni delivered a disappointing cameo. Despite having fresh legs, he displayed a lack of intensity and failed to track back adequately on the first goal conceded.

* **Jude Bellingham — 4:** Bellingham appeared disinterested and lacked urgency. He committed an unnecessary foul that directly led to Talavera’s second goal.

* **Jorge Cestero — N/A:** Cestero did not play enough minutes to be fairly evaluated.