Football news - Ramos nets as Vinicius helps Real Madrid end Liga win drought against Valladolid
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Updated 03/11/2018 at 17:33 GMT
La Liga, Santiago Bernabeu - Real Madrid 2 (Kiko OG 83', Ramos 88') Real Valladolid
Sergio Ramos
Image credit: Getty Images
Teenage Brazilian Vinicius Junior came off the bench to make the difference, inspiring Real Madrid to a 2-0 win over Real Valladolid.
It was the European champions first victory in Liga since September 22 when they overcame Espanyol 1-0 at the Bernabeu.
Santiago Solari’s side looked set for a dismal goalless draw in the Argentine’s La Liga bow as interim manager until the late introduction of Vinicius late on. It was through his energy that Real finally took the lead after 83 minutes, with the Brazilian’s wayward shot from inside the box deflected into the back of the net.
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Vinicius kisses the shirt
Image credit: Getty Images
From then on, the hosts played with a bit more freedom, with the result consolidated by a late penalty kick from Sergio Ramos as they move up to sixth in the standings, four points leaders Barcelona.
But this was a game in which Real Madrid rode their luck at times, demonstrated by the sight of Real Valladolid striking the crossbar twice in the second half.
TALKING POINT - This performance showed Real Madrid need a permanent manager
Two games, two wins. Solari has a 100% record as interim Real Madrid manager, but this performance showed why a permanent appointment is needed. Solari’s approach didn’t differ much from that of his predecessor, with Real Madrid playing a possession-based game.
But just like under Julen Lopetegui, they struggled to find a cutting edge in the final third, toiling to three points from a game they barely deserved them from. Antonio Conte’s negotiating position just got that little bit stronger.
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Solari Real Madrid Valladolid
Image credit: Getty Images
MAN OF THE MATCH - Sergio Reguilon (Real Madrid)
Marcelo’s injury in El Clasico was a blow to Real Madrid, but on this basis Real Madrid have an adequate deputy to call upon run their first choice left back’s absence. Reguilon was their only effective attacking outlet over the whole match, with the likes of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos consistently looking for the 21-year-old out wide.
His deliveries were dangerous and the few chances Real Madrid created came through him. Few Real Madrid players received pass marks, but Reguilon did.
PLAYER RATINGS
- Real Madrid - Courtois 5, Odriozola 6, Nacho 5, Ramos 5, Reguillon 8, Modric 7, Casemiro 7, Kroos 6, Bale 5, Asensio 7, Benzema 5..subs - Isco 5, Vazquez 5, Vinicius 7
- Real Valladolid - Masip 7, Moyano 6, Olivas 6, Calero 7, Nacho 7, Michel 5, Alcarez 7, Antonito 7, Villa 6, Suarez 8, Unal 6..subs - Verde 5, Plano 5, Cop 5
KEY MOMENTS
- 6’ Great chance for Benzema! Asensio drives forward and plays the ball in behind for the French striker, who takes the shot early. It beats the keeper, but flashes inches wide of the far post.
- 36’ Big chance for the visitors! Real Madrid are cut open at the back once again, but clean through on goal Antonito manages to scoop his finish over the bar. The whistles are loud now!
- 41’ Another big chance! Oh the whistles are LOUD now! This time it's Unal who gets on the end of a cross into the box, but he heads wide from about six yards out. It was Nacho caught out.
- 59’ Off the underside of the bar! Real Valladolid so close to taking the lead! Alcaraz takes aim and his looping shot beats Courtois, but it comes back off the underside of the bar and away.
- 66’ Another off the bar! Incredible! Real Valladolid have once again struck the woodwork! This time it's Toni who lets rip from distance, beating Courtois, but he can't beat the crossbar.
- 82’ GOAL! Real Madrid 1-0 Real Valladolid: It's Vinicius who makes the difference! The teenage Brazilian might just have scored the winner for Real Madrid! He works his way into the box, his show was heading wide, but it ends up in the back of the net via a massive deflection!
- 86’ PENALTY KICK TO REAL MADRID! Benzema goes down inside the area, but we're going to a VAR review to make sure.
- 88’ GOAL! Real Madrid 2-0 Real Valladolid: That was a dubious penalty kick award, but Ramos steps up to the 12-yard mark and converts to give Real Madrid a two-goal lead and all three points. He's scored three penalties from three this season.
KEY STATS
- Gareth Bale has now gone seven games without scoring for Real Madrid, his worst run for the club
- Sergio Reguilon completed 34 passes out of a possible 34 in the first half (100%) of his La Liga debut
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