A S Roma Vs Real madrid: Player Ratings (Vini replaced, insane comeback)

UEFA Champions League 2026/27  ·  League Phase MD2  ·  Stadio Olimpico, Rome

AS Roma 3 — 4 Real Madrid

Wednesday, 14 October 2026  ·  Att: 71,442  ·  Ref: François Letexier (FRA)

de Roon 20' Mbappé 25' (ast. Diomande) Malen 51', 57' Espí 83' Endrick 85' (ast. Güler) Rüdiger 90' (ast. Güler)

⚽ The Comeback: 3-1 down with 7 minutes remaining. Three goals in seven minutes — all from corners delivered by Arda Güler — to win 4-3. Espí 83', Endrick 85', Rüdiger 90'. A Champions League night for the ages.

1–1

Half Time

48%

Possession (RM)

16

Shots (RM)

2.1

xG (RM)

2-0-0

UCL Record

This was the sort of Champions League night that reminds you why Real Madrid are the most decorated club in the history of the competition. Trailing 3-1 with seven minutes remaining, in the Stadio Olimpico, against a Roma side that had been the better team for most of the second half, Mourinho's side conjured something remarkable. Three corners. Three headers. Three goals in seven minutes. The place fell silent. The bench went wild. And José Mourinho — the man who spent three years loving these fans and this city — allowed himself a clenched fist before the final whistle.

The first half was a tight tactical battle. Mourinho had correctly identified that Roma, under Gasperini, press with relentless man-marking intensity from a 3-4-2-1, and he set up his 4-2-3-1 to try and play through the press rather than over it. It worked in spells — the Mbappé equaliser on 25 minutes, created by a sharp Diomande assist, was a moment of pure, incisive quality that showed exactly what this team can do at its best. De Roon's opener, though, was a setback and the interval feeling was one of tentative equilibrium.

The second half began with Gasperini's masterstroke — Rodrigo Mora on for Dybala, providing fresh legs and the assist for Malen's 51st-minute goal. Then another Malen finish on 57 to make it 3-1. The visitors looked shell-shocked. Their press was being bypassed, their shape was poor, and Mourinho was already making the changes that would ultimately win the match — Endrick on for Vinícius at 59 minutes, Güler on for Dumfries (a positional change that moved Valverde to right wing). Tchouaméni made way for Bernardo Silva at 70 minutes. Diomande off for Espí at 78. Konaté off for Carreras.

And then Güler took a corner. Endrick got his head to it. Espí reacted to the parried save. 3-2, 83rd minute. Two minutes later, another Güler corner. Another Endrick header. 3-3. Chaos at the Olimpico. And in stoppage time, Güler's delivery again found Rüdiger — the man who spent six years at this club, who knows every inch of this stadium, who has waited his entire professional life for a moment like this — ghosting in at the far post to head home the winner. 4-3. Football is never over.

Mourinho Post-Match

"We faced a difficult opponent who play a different style, relying heavily on man-marking at high intensity. They deserved to go ahead, even though I wasn't happy with the two goals we conceded. The 3rd goal we conceded was ridiculous." José Mourinho, Post-Match Press Conference — Stadio Olimpico

"That's why I was talking a lot with Tchouaméni during the first half to make the necessary adjustments, and when the second half began I felt the team had become more stable. After that we showed an organised fighting spirit, and it was an emotional reaction within a tactical framework that helped us a great deal." José Mourinho — on the tactical adjustments

"In the final 20 minutes, Roma were dead. It's difficult to play with this style and intensity like they do. We made some changes; if we'd conceded a fourth goal, it wouldn't have changed the way I feel about tonight." José Mourinho — speaking to Prime Video at the Stadio Olimpico

"When they asked me if Roma could sign Endrick, I said impossible. I know what he can do." José Mourinho — on Endrick's match-winning cameo

Player Ratings

Starters rated across their full contribution. Substitutes rated on impact from the bench. FotMob ratings cross-referenced with SI, Goal, and The 4th Official.

🧤 Goalkeeper

5.5

#1

Thibaut Courtois

An uncomfortable night for the Belgian, who will not want to revisit the footage of the second and third Roma goals. The deflection for Malen's first was unfortunate but the second was a genuine error — his positioning allowed the Dutch forward a clean low finish at his near post. Made an important first-half save to keep Madrid level when the score was 1-1, but the overall defensive performance in front of him was poor enough that no goalkeeper could have fully compensated. His distribution was steady when called upon. This was a match that exposed structural rather than individual failings, but Courtois was not blameless.

FotMob: 5.6 · WhoScored: 5.5 · Our Rating: 5.5

🛡️ Defenders

5.5

#24

Denzel Dumfries ↓ 59'

A difficult evening at right back against a Roma side that targeted his flank relentlessly. Wesley gave him serious problems in the first half with his direct running and physicality, and Dumfries was unable to provide the attacking contribution that Mourinho wanted. His removal at 59 minutes — replaced by Güler, which allowed Valverde to move to the right wing — was a tactical decision rather than a personal indictment, but he had done enough poorly to make the change logical. His performances this season have been increasingly inconsistent.

FotMob: 5.4 · WhoScored: 5.5 · Our Rating: 5.5

5.5

#16

Ibrahima Konaté ↓ 78'

A night to forget in the Roman capital. Was bypassed for Malen's second goal with ease — caught flat-footed as Soulé played a simple ball through the defensive line. His aerial dominance, which has been a feature of his Madrid career, was absent here. Replaced at 78 minutes for Carreras as Mourinho reorganised defensively for the final stages, which was the right call. A poor evening from a player whose individual quality demands more.

FotMob: 5.7 · WhoScored: 5.5 · Our Rating: 5.5

5.5

#22

Antonio Rüdiger ⚽ 90'

One of the greatest individual moments in the story of any Real Madrid player this season — and yet one of his worst performances as a starter. Rüdiger was poor for both Roma goals in the second half, losing his man and being caught out of position in a way that has rarely characterised his Madrid career. But then came the 90th minute. Arda Güler's corner, Rüdiger's run to the far post, an instinctive, powerful header into the bottom corner. The German wheeled away in disbelief. The comeback was complete. You cannot tell this story without giving him the hero's credit he deserves — but the rating here represents his full 90 minutes, of which 83 were substandard and seven were legendary.

FotMob: 5.5 · WhoScored: 7.5 (for the goal) · Our Rating: 5.5 (starter) / 9.0 (impact)

5.5

#17

Marc Cucurella

Struggled against Molina and Soulé for the entire duration. Was unable to prevent the supply line that produced both of Malen's goals, contributing to what was a dismal defensive evening from the entire back four. Did try to push forward when the scoreline dictated urgency but his attempts at creativity fell short. One of his more difficult nights in a white shirt this season.

FotMob: 5.7 · WhoScored: 5.8 · Our Rating: 5.5

⚽ Midfielders

6.0

#14

Aurélien Tchouaméni ↓ 70'

Completely overrun by Roma's man-marking system, which targeted the double pivot with three midfielders and consistently bypassed him in the first half. Mourinho has said he spent much of the first half talking to Tchouaméni about tactical adjustments, which underlines how uncomfortable he was. Withdrawn at 70 minutes for Bernardo Silva as Mourinho sought a different midfield profile. His role in the second-half comeback was minimal but the adjustments he absorbed during the first half laid the groundwork for the tactical reshuffle that turned the game.

FotMob: 6.1 (match) / 6.9 (player page) · Our Rating: 6.0

6.0

#8

Federico Valverde

Captained the side in the absence of a clear leadership hierarchy and showed the character the armband demands — he never dropped his head even when Madrid were 3-1 down. His positional switch to the right wing after Güler came on at 59 minutes gave him more freedom and he was a key presence in the pressing that wore Roma down in the final stages. His first-half contribution as a pivot was underwhelming — Roma's numerical midfield superiority made it impossible to function effectively — but his movement and energy in the second half deserves credit.

FotMob: 6.2 · WhoScored: 6.0 · Our Rating: 6.0

8.2

#25

Yan Diomande 🅰 25' ↓ 78'

His best performance in a Real Madrid shirt across 78 minutes — relentlessly direct, continuously available for combinations, and the player who provided the assist for Mbappé's equaliser with a sharp, incisive cut-back that gave Mbappé the cleanest of finishes. He created the goal that kept Real in contention at half-time, and without that goal, none of the second-half drama would have been possible. In the second half he began to tire as Roma doubled their efforts to contain him, but his replacement by Espí at 78 minutes gave Madrid the fresh attacking legs they needed. The teenager is growing in stature with every Champions League appearance.

FotMob: 8.5 · The 4th Official: 8.0 · Our Rating: 8.2

6.8

#5

Jude Bellingham

Was the connective tissue between the lines throughout — even when the scoreline was bleak and Madrid looked incapable of a response, Bellingham continued to drive forward, demand the ball and find combinations in tight spaces. His ball retention and ability to carry through Roma's press was Madrid's primary creative outlet when the structural plan was failing. Did not find the goal his efforts probably deserved but his role in the comeback — maintaining belief, keeping the ball moving — was understated and important. A quietly excellent performance on a night when others failed more visibly.

FotMob: 6.8 · Goal.com: 7.0 · Our Rating: 6.8

6.0

#7

Vinícius Júnior ↓ 59'

A night of mixed emotions for the Brazilian. Coming off the back of a red card against Villarreal, he began brightly here — driving at Roma's right back with intent and making the intelligent runs that show he is back in the right mindset. But a significant individual error in the middle of the field led directly to Roma's second goal — losing the ball carelessly in a dangerous position that Malen converted before Vinícius had recovered. Substituted at 59 minutes following the third Roma goal. The error cannot be ignored despite the positive intent he showed.

FotMob: 6.3 · Goal.com: 6.0 · Our Rating: 6.0

🔥 Forwards

8.2

#10

Kylian Mbappé ⚽ 25'

A century of Champions League appearances marked with a goal — and what a goal it was. Diomande's cut-back found him arriving at the perfect angle inside the box and he drilled an emphatic finish past Gollini to level the match at 1-1. It was his 100th Champions League appearance, and his 73rd goal in the competition — a statistic that confirms his standing alongside the sport's absolute elite. Had a goal disallowed for offside in the 68th minute that would have changed the entire narrative of the match. Was denied twice by Gollini in the second half before the late comeback unfolded. A night of personal and collective drama that Mbappé handled with the composure of a player who has done all of this before.

FotMob: 8.2 · SI: 8.5 · The 4th Official: 8.5 · Our Rating: 8.2

🔄 Substitutes

9.2

#15

Arda Güler ↑ 59' 🅰 85' 🅰 90'

The architect of the comeback. Every great heist needs someone who draws up the plan, and on this night it was Güler. Introduced at 59 minutes as Roma were beginning to feel secure at 3-1, he moved into the midfield vacated by Tchouaméni's departure while Valverde shifted wide — and immediately changed the quality and tempo of Madrid's play. He was calm. He was precise. And when it mattered most, his corner delivery was flawless. The corner for Endrick's equaliser — whipped perfectly to the near post, weighted exactly right. Then the corner for Rüdiger — identical delivery, identical outcome, identical bedlam. Two assists from dead-ball situations in a seven-minute spell that ended with Real Madrid winning a match they had no right to win. At 21 years old, this is a player for Madrid's future. It is also a performance for their present.

FotMob: 8.0 · Goal.com: 8.0-9.0 · Our Rating: 9.2

9.0

#9

Endrick ↑ 59' ⚽ 85' 🅰 83'

Arguably the best 31-minute cameo by any Real Madrid substitute this season. Introduced at 59 minutes with Madrid losing 3-1 and looking devoid of ideas, Endrick immediately brought directness, aerial threat and the kind of fearlessness that only teenagers playing without the weight of expectation can provide. His header from Güler's corner in the 83rd minute — the one that Gollini parried for Espí to convert — was the catalyst. His second header two minutes later was the equaliser: perfectly timed, powerfully directed. Mourinho summed it up perfectly: he knew exactly what Endrick could do. The only question was when. The answer, emphatically, was tonight. The Stadio Olimpico fell silent in a way that only a 19-year-old Brazilian scoring in the 85th minute can make it.

FotMob: 6.5 (limited time) · Goal.com: 9.0 · Our Rating: 9.0

7.0

#19

Carlos Espí ↑ 78' ⚽ 83'

The man who started the comeback. Introduced at 78 minutes — his third consecutive match as a substitute in the final quarter of an hour — and within five minutes had provided the spark that changed everything. Endrick's header was parried; Espí, arriving at speed from the edge of the area, reacted quicker than everyone to tap in the rebound. It was the predatory instinct of a natural finisher who makes himself available in exactly the right position at exactly the right moment. Three goals in eight appearances, all from substitute roles, all when Madrid needed them most. This is not coincidence. This is quality.

FotMob: 7.1 · Goal.com: 8.0 · Our Rating: 7.0

6.5

#20

Bernardo Silva ↑ 70'

Came on at 70 minutes to provide midfield stability and recycling of possession as Madrid pushed bodies forward. Was not directly involved in any of the three comeback goals but his presence helped keep the ball and maintain the pressing structure that wore Roma down mentally and physically. A calm, functional contribution in a frantic situation.

FotMob: 6.5 · Our Rating: 6.5

6.5

#18

Álvaro Carreras ↑ 78' 🟨 90+5'

Came on at 78 minutes at left back to shore up the defensive shape as Madrid chased the game with three attackers. Did his job competently before receiving a yellow card in stoppage time for a foul on Pellegrini. Twelve minutes is too short for a full rating but his composure was exactly what the situation required.

FotMob: 6.5 · Our Rating: 6.5

This was not a performance. This was a statement of identity. What happened in those final seven minutes at the Stadio Olimpico cannot be explained by tactics alone — it requires something more fundamental: the belief, baked into the culture of this football club, that matches are never over. Arda Güler delivered it with two perfect corners. Endrick claimed it with two perfect headers. Rüdiger sealed it with the kind of goal that only happens to the players who deserve them most. And José Mourinho, returning to the club that taught him what football really means, allowed himself a rare, unguarded moment of emotion. Hala Madrid. Sempre Roma, but tonight — Madrid. Hala Madrid.

Labels:
2026/27 UCL Champions League Matchday 2 Away Win Player Ratings Real Madrid AS Roma Rüdiger Endrick Güler Espí Mourinho Comeback October

Real madrid Vs Villarreal: Player Ratings (Corrupt Referring continues, Vini red carded, goal not given )

LaLiga 2026/27  ·  Matchday 8  ·  Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid

Real Madrid1—0Villarreal

Saturday, 10 October 2026  ·  Att: 78,432  ·  Ref: Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz

Yan Diomande 62′ (ast. Federico Valverde)

54%

Possession (RM)

14

Shots (RM)

1.88

xG (RM)

0.62

xG (Villarreal)

7-0-2

Season W-D-L

This was one of those nights where defensive grit won the day. Following a cagey opening half that left both teams level at the break, José Mourinho’s side ground out a vital three points to steady their LaLiga title charge at the Santiago Bernabéu. The star of the show was young winger Yan Diomande, whose clinical finish near the hour mark broke the deadlock and earned him our Man of the Match honor with an outstanding 8.5 performance.

The decisive sequence unfolded smoothly in the second half. Federico Valverde, driving with trademark energy through the half-space, sliced a precise ball across the eighteen-yard box, finding Diomande, who made no mistake. Despite a difficult cameo from substitute Vinícius Júnior, who finished with a 3.5 rating, Real Madrid held their structure to shut out the Yellow Submarine.

Real Madrid dominated the expected-goals metric 1.88 to 0.62, showcasing a compact and structured out-of-possession plan that starved the visitors of high-quality chances. The narrow victory keeps Los Blancos in the title conversation after the recent derby setback. Hala Madrid.

Player Ratings

Ratings represent our assessment cross-referenced with FotMob, WhoScored, and SofaScore ratings where published. Starting XI and substitutes who featured.

🧤 Goalkeeper

6.0

#1

Thibaut Courtois

A composed and tidy display from the Belgian goalkeeper. He handled high crosses and distribution under late Villarreal pressure with confidence to secure the clean sheet.

FotMob: 6.0 · Our Rating: 6.0

🛡️ Defenders

7.0

#12

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Offered solid technical passing from deeper positions and balanced his overlapping runs. Maintained positional discipline on the right flank before tracking back efficiently to suppress counter-attacks.

FotMob: 7.0 · Our Rating: 7.0

7.0

#16

Ibrahima Konaté

An authoritative presence alongside Rüdiger. Won physical duels against the forwards and distributed out of the backline with poise, preserving defensive compactness all evening.

FotMob: 7.0 · Our Rating: 7.0

7.5

#22

Antonio Rüdiger

The cornerstone of the defensive unit. Handled aerial transitions comfortably and continually organized his backline during late-game situations.

FotMob: 7.5 · Our Rating: 7.5

7.0

#18

Álvaro Carreras

Turned in a reliable, balanced shift at left-back. Combined effectively with midfield during build-up while keeping things tightly locked up on his flank.

FotMob: 7.0 · Our Rating: 7.0

⚽ Midfielders

7.5

#8

Federico Valverde

The endless engine in Madrid’s engine room. Valverde covered every blade of grass, provided high-intensity pressing and supplied the precise ball for the decisive transition and goal.

FotMob: 7.5 · Our Rating: 7.5

6.5

#14

Aurélien Tchouaméni

Anchored the double pivot with physical discipline. Intercepted dangerous passing lines and kept possession ticking over safely when Villarreal tried to press high.

FotMob: 6.5 · Our Rating: 6.5

6.5

#15

Arda Güler

Showed clever drops into pockets of space and technical comfort under pressure. Linked up well with the forward line before making way in the second half.

FotMob: 6.5 · Our Rating: 6.5

6.5

#5

Jude Bellingham

An industrious shift from the Englishman. Tracked back relentlessly and contested ground duels, sacrificing some forward freedom to help control the center.

FotMob: 6.5 · Our Rating: 6.5

🔥 Forwards

8.5

#25

Yan Diomande GOAL 62′

The undisputed hero of Matchday 8. Showed directness and clinical instincts to capitalize on his opportunity in the 62nd minute. An outstanding performance that unlocked a stubborn Villarreal setup.

FotMob: 8.5 · Our Rating: 8.5

7.0

#10

Kylian Mbappé

Kept the central defenders occupied with sharp decoy movements and dangerous runs in behind, opening operating spaces for his fellow attackers.

FotMob: 7.0 · Our Rating: 7.0

🔄 Substitutes

6.0

#6

Eduardo Camavinga SUB ON

Introduced to provide running power and lock down midfield transitions. Broke up play cleanly and helped secure control over the final stretch.

FotMob: 6.0 · Our Rating: 6.0

7.0

#17

Marc Cucurella SUB ON

Came on to reinforce the left defensive flank after Carreras went off at half-time. Kept his positioning disciplined and avoided unneeded risks as Madrid managed the lead.

FotMob: 7.0 · Our Rating: 7.0

3.5

#7

Vinícius Júnior SUB ON

A frustrating cameo off the bench. Struggled to settle into the rhythm, found himself swarmed by defenders and finished with a heavily penalized rating.

FotMob: 3.5 · Our Rating: 3.5

SUB

#24

Denzel Dumfries SUB ON

Brought on in the final minutes as a tactical option to add physical presence and defensive insurance down the right. Executed his role cleanly.

FotMob: SUB · Our Rating: SUB

The result was built on defensive organization, Valverde’s energy and Diomande’s decisive finish. Madrid managed the second half with discipline and took the points. Hala Madrid.

Labels:
2026/27LaLigaMatchday 8Home WinPlayer RatingsReal MadridVillarrealDiomandeValverdeMourinhoOctober

Atletico Madrid Vs Real madrid: Player Ratings (Corrupt Referring, two clear red cards not given )

LaLiga 2026/27  ·  Matchday 7  ·  Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid

Atlético Madrid 2 — 1 Real Madrid

Sunday, 20 September 2026  ·  Att: 69,348  ·  Ref: Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias

Grimaldo 53' (pen) Jonathan David 59' Rüdiger 89' (header)

🟥 Dean Huijsen sent off (52', RED CARD) — Last-man tackle on Jonathan David. Real Madrid played 38 minutes with 10 men. Penalty conceded, Grimaldo scored.

0–0

Half Time

54%

Possession (ATM)

12

Shots (RM)

1.2

xG (RM)

6-0-2

Season W-D-L

The Madrid derby delivered drama, controversy, and heartbreak in equal measure — and left José Mourinho with printouts in his hand, fire in his eyes, and more than a few legitimate grievances about the refereeing. In a first half of genuine quality where Real Madrid controlled proceedings without creating the big moments to show for it, Dean Huijsen's straight red card on 52 minutes changed everything. From that point, the match belonged to Atlético.

The first half was a cagey, well-organised affair. Real Madrid, operating with their now-familiar 4-2-3-1 and a genuinely competitive double pivot of Tchouaméni and Valverde, were the better side in spells — Bellingham and Güler probing, Mbappé running channels and Vinícius giving Pubill an uncomfortable afternoon. Atlético's high defensive line and aggressive wing-backs kept things compact, and Jan Oblak was barely tested. The goalless first half felt like a precursor to something significant, and it was.

Within seven minutes of the restart the tie had completely shifted. Huijsen, last man, made the kind of rash sliding tackle that referees have very little choice about at that level of the game. Grimaldo, Atlético's composed summer signing from Leverkusen, sent Courtois the wrong way from the spot. Six minutes later Jonathan David — who has been extraordinary in his first season in Spain — controlled a long ball, spun away from Konaté and finished with the assurance of a man who has scored at every level he has played. Real Madrid, a man down, were two goals behind with half an hour remaining.

Mourinho reacted immediately, withdrawing Güler and Vinícius for Rüdiger and Diomande at the 54-minute mark — a decision that reshaped the defensive shape and pushed Rüdiger forward as an aerial option for late set-pieces. Camavinga replaced Tchouaméni at 71 minutes; Bernardo Silva replaced Bellingham at 82 minutes. The subs added freshness and intent, and it was a header from Rüdiger — introduced as a centre-back but used as an attacking weapon in the 89th minute — that pulled one back and gave Madrid a lifeline that ultimately arrived one goal too late.

Mourinho Post-Match

"We could have saved ourselves the press conference because the story of the match is here." [holds up printed photos of two unpunished Atlético fouls on Valverde and Bellingham] "They are two clear red cards." José Mourinho, Post-Match Press Conference — presented photo evidence to journalists

"We can imagine the difficulties we would have had playing 11 against 10 — so imagine 50 minutes playing 11 against nine. I can only hug my players, who gave everything. We played a first half of great class and personality, and we could perfectly have won in the second half." José Mourinho

"The one who should be happy, apart from the Atlético people, is the Refereeing Appointments Committee. Everything has been very strange. The referee is 41 years old, he isn't international, and it won't be because he's a great referee. The poor guy came here and couldn't handle the pressure." José Mourinho — on referee Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias

"I wanted to understand the decision. Atlético had a similar situation and escaped a red, but Real Madrid didn't. I'm not saying the referee decided the game. I'm asking for consistency." José Mourinho

Player Ratings

All players rated on their individual contribution given the context of the game — including the 38 minutes played with 10 men. Where FotMob and WhoScored ratings are available post-match, they are cross-referenced.

🧤 Goalkeeper

6.8

#1

Thibaut Courtois

Went the right way for the Grimaldo penalty but could not keep it out — which tells you more about the quality of the kick than the quality of the dive. Made two important saves in the second half as Atlético looked to put the game out of sight, denying Kang-In Lee and a sharp Julián Álvarez header. His distribution and organisation of a backline reduced to four for long stretches of the half was composed and professional. A decent performance in difficult circumstances that was not his night to shine.

FotMob: 6.7 · WhoScored: 6.5 · Our Rating: 6.8

🛡️ Defenders

5.0

#24

Denzel Dumfries 🟨 50'

A difficult afternoon that ended in the defining moment before his own dismissal. Dumfries was caught out defensively by Giuliano Simeone on multiple occasions in the first half, conceding Atlético's best crossing positions from the left channel. The yellow card in the 50th minute, two minutes before Huijsen's red, was unnecessary and added to the pressure building on the right side. He was ultimately not the worst performer on the day but carried his own share of responsibility for the defensive fragility before the red.

FotMob: 5.1 · WhoScored: 5.2 · Our Rating: 5.0

3.5

#4

Dean Huijsen 🟥 52'

The performance that will be analysed, debated and replayed for weeks. Huijsen was fine in the first half — organised, vocal, winning his battles against David. Then came the moment. Catching out of position, he made a rash, last-man sliding tackle on Jonathan David inside the box after Atlético played a ball over the defensive line. The red card was correct by the letter of the law even if the Mourinho camp has legitimate anger about two unpunished Atlético fouls that preceded it. The red card conceded a penalty, ended the contest as a contest, and left his manager with thirty-eight impossible minutes to manage. A 20-year-old will have many such moments; the hope is that this one becomes a lesson that is not forgotten.

FotMob: 3.2 · WhoScored: 3.5 · Our Rating: 3.5

6.5

#16

Ibrahima Konaté

In any other context this would have been considered a solid performance. Konaté won his first-half duels with David, commanded the aerial game and was comfortable in possession. He was caught by David's movement for the second goal — a spin inside that the Canadian has perfected at club level — but it was the kind of brilliance that many centre-backs would have struggled with. Kept his composure throughout the second half as Madrid played with ten men, which deserves credit. Not at fault for either goal in the systemic sense.

FotMob: 6.4 · WhoScored: 6.3 · Our Rating: 6.5

5.5

#17

Marc Cucurella

Struggled against Atlético's intensity on his flank. Kang-In Lee and Grimaldo combined to make his afternoon uncomfortable from early on and he was unable to offer the offensive outlet that Mourinho wanted from the left back position. Worked hard defensively with ten men and made a crucial recovery tackle in the 74th minute that kept it 2-0 when it could have been worse. A below-par contribution in a game that required far more from the full-backs.

FotMob: 5.4 · WhoScored: 5.5 · Our Rating: 5.5

⚽ Midfielders

7.5

#14

Aurélien Tchouaméni ↓ 71'

The player of the match in the first half for Real Madrid, quietly and efficiently. Tchouaméni was the engine that kept Madrid's structure intact, making six ball recoveries in 71 minutes, breaking up Atlético's build-up play and providing the positional discipline that allowed Valverde to push higher. Two consecutive starts now and both have been strong performances. His influence on the side's defensive shape was evident in the contrast between how Madrid defended with and without him on the pitch.

FotMob: 7.4 · WhoScored: 7.5 · Our Rating: 7.5

7.0

#8

Federico Valverde

A relentless presence throughout. Valverde's box-to-box energy was at the heart of everything Madrid tried to create — he completed 88% of his passes, made four tackles and created the two occasions in the first half where Madrid came closest to breaking the deadlock. Mourinho has pointed to fouls by Romero and Lee on Valverde as deserving red cards themselves — one of those fouls halted what would have been a clean break on goal in the 35th minute. Did not let the setbacks of the second half affect his commitment and ran himself into the ground for 90 minutes.

FotMob: 7.1 · WhoScored: 7.0 · Our Rating: 7.0

6.5

#15

Arda Güler ↓ 54'

Withdrawn at 54 minutes as Mourinho reshaped the side to cope with ten men. It was not a reflection of Güler's performance — he had been one of Madrid's brightest creative forces in the first half, finding pockets of space between Atlético's defensive lines and forcing Cardoso into a significant foul in a dangerous area. His free-kick delivery was testing. A good first-hour contribution cut short by the circumstances of the game rather than anything he did wrong.

FotMob: 6.7 · WhoScored: 6.8 · Our Rating: 6.5

6.5

#5

Jude Bellingham ↓ 82'

A night that summed up the derby's injustice from a Madrid perspective — Bellingham was scythed down by Kang-In Lee in the first half in a challenge that Mourinho has since presented as a clear red card. He played through it and tried to drag Madrid forward during the ten-man period, but the task was simply too great from a structural standpoint. Made a couple of important pressing triggers in the second half but never had the time or space to impose himself on the game in the way that defines his best showings. Replaced by Bernardo Silva at 82 minutes.

FotMob: 6.3 · WhoScored: 6.4 · Our Rating: 6.5

🔥 Forwards

5.5

#7

Vinícius Júnior ↓ 54'

An afternoon of limited return against a well-organised Atlético right flank. Pubill tracked him diligently and Vinícius found it difficult to locate the one-on-one situations where he is most dangerous. Made one sharp run in the first half that should have led to a Madrid penalty — a clip that the referee waved away. Substituted at 54 minutes as part of the tactical reshuffle after the red card, which made tactical sense given that Mourinho needed defensive reinforcement rather than a forward who was having a quiet game.

FotMob: 5.6 · WhoScored: 5.7 · Our Rating: 5.5

7.0

#10

Kylian Mbappé

The one Madrid player who never stopped trying to find a solution, even with ten men, even trailing 2-0, even in a stadium that was deafening with Atlético celebration. Mbappé ran the channels, pressed Atlético's back three from the front and was the most dangerous player on the pitch during the period when Madrid were chasing the game. Had a goal disallowed by VAR for offside in the 77th minute — by the finest of margins — which would have made the closing stages absolutely dramatic. A night of largely solitary effort. His season xG figures continue to underline why he is the first name on the teamsheet.

FotMob: 7.2 · WhoScored: 7.0 · Our Rating: 7.0

🔄 Substitutes

8.0

#22

Antonio Rüdiger ↑ 54' ⚽ 89'

Came on as a defender and ended the night as the most important attacking presence on the pitch. Rüdiger's introduction reshaped Madrid's defensive structure and allowed them to hold a respectable shape with ten men. Then, deep into stoppage time, from a corner, he rose above Hancko and powered a header into the net. It was the kind of physical, decisive contribution that you want from a 33-year-old captain in a crisis moment. He kept Real Madrid's dignity and gave Mourinho something to build on. On another night — with an earlier red card for Atlético, as Mourinho has argued — Rüdiger's goal would have been a winner.

FotMob: 8.1 · WhoScored: 7.9 · Our Rating: 8.0

6.5

#25

Yan Diomande ↑ 54'

Given the thankless task of adding attacking width and pace with a man fewer. Had one clear run on goal in the 58th minute that he was unable to convert with the quality the moment demanded. Worked hard in both directions for 36 minutes, tracking back and covering spaces that the ten-man structure opened up. Showed why Mourinho trusts him — his energy and directness were exactly what the situation called for, even if the result did not ultimately go Madrid's way.

FotMob: 6.4 · WhoScored: 6.6 · Our Rating: 6.5

5.5

#6

Eduardo Camavinga ↑ 71'

Brought on to add legs and pressing intensity in the final twenty minutes. Could not significantly change the dynamic given the structural problem of a man fewer. Made three ball recoveries and one important block but Madrid's predicament was beyond any individual cameo to fix by that point. A functional contribution in impossible circumstances.

FotMob: 6.0 · Our Rating: 5.5

6.5

#20

Bernardo Silva ↑ 82'

Eight minutes plus stoppage time — just enough to show his quality but not enough to change a game. His arrival gave Madrid more technical quality in midfield and his quick passing helped set up the corner from which Rüdiger scored. Another sub who arrived too late to do enough but contributed meaningfully to the late pressure that nearly produced an equaliser.

FotMob: 6.6 · Our Rating: 6.5

The result was harsh on Real Madrid, who were the better team for 51 minutes of this fixture. The Huijsen red card was the decisive moment — not because it was wrong by the laws of the game, but because Atlético's own unpunished brutality in the same match went unpunished, a fact that Mourinho documented with photographs. Madrid drop to second on 15 points, three behind Atlético on 16. The title race remains extremely tight. The next month will tell us a great deal about whether this squad has the depth and mental resilience to respond. Based on what Rüdiger produced in the 89th minute — it should. Hala Madrid.

Labels:
2026/27 LaLiga Matchday 7 Madrid Derby Away Player Ratings Real Madrid Atlético Madrid Rüdiger Huijsen Mourinho September Controversy

Elche Vs Real madrid: Player Ratings (Getting it done right at the end after wasteful first half)

LaLiga 2026/27  ·  Matchday 6  ·  Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero, Elche

Elche 2 — 3 Real Madrid

Tuesday, 15 September 2026  ·  Att: 30,383  ·  Ref: Jesús Gil Manzano

OG Dituro 25' (Güler free-kick) Mbappé 33' (ast. Diomande) Osorio 71' Fer Niño 83' Espí 90+1' (ast. Mbappé)

44%

Possession (RM)

20

Shots (RM)

3.56

xG (RM)

0.85

xG (Elche)

50

Box Touches (RM)

This was one of those nights that will live in Real Madrid's 2026-27 folklore. Two goals up at the break, looking comfortable and in cruise control, Mourinho's side were pegged back to 2-2 by a spirited Elche side that looked a completely transformed team in the second half. Then, from nowhere, Carlos Espí — the 21-year-old summer recruit — delivered yet again in the dying seconds to claim all three points and cement his place as Madrid's most important impact substitute.

The pattern was familiar. Güler's dangerous, curling free-kick bounced off the left post at the 25-minute mark, ran along the goalline, and deflected in off the helpless Matías Dituro. Eight minutes later Yan Diomande, with his first LaLiga goal contribution, slid a perfectly weighted pass across the face of goal for Mbappé to tuck away. At 0-2 with Elche looking toothless, three points seemed inevitable.

The second half told a completely different story. Elche pressed higher, their substitutes changed the dynamic, and Abiel Osorio headed one back on 71 minutes. With seven minutes remaining, substitute Fer Niño found the bottom corner and the tie was level. Madrid looked shell-shocked. Then Mourinho sent Espí on for Trent Alexander-Arnold. Mbappé received Bellingham's incisive pass down the channel, squared perfectly, and Espí was right on cue to tap home. Wild celebrations. Three points. Title race very much alive.

Real Madrid dominated the xG battle 3.56 to 0.85 but only managed four shots on target from 20 attempts — a finishing wastefulness that Mourinho will need to address ahead of the derby. The result moves them level with Barcelona on 15 points after six games.

Mourinho Post-Match

"I love this team. I love the character. When you're 2-2 at Elche with seven minutes left, some teams give up. We did not. We found a way. That is the spirit of Real Madrid and I want to see this every game." José Mourinho, Post-Match Press Conference

"Carlos Espí is the kind of player we need for this type of match. Two goals, two last-minute winners. He is 21. He is hungry. He understands what this club demands. I am not surprised — I signed him because I know what he can do." José Mourinho on Espí

"The second half was not good enough from us. We had the game under control and then we lost it mentally. That is something we need to improve. When a team presses you with more intensity in the second half and you have already done the hard work, you need to manage the game better. We didn't. But football gives you moments and tonight Espí took his moment." José Mourinho on the second-half collapse

"The hardest part of playing three games in one week? Six press conferences. I am serious. I am tired of you and you are tired of me. But here we are. It is our job." José Mourinho (pre-match, with characteristic wit)

Player Ratings

Ratings represent our assessment cross-referenced with FotMob, WhoScored, and SofaScore ratings where published. Starting XI and substitutes who featured.

🧤 Goalkeeper

6.0

#1

Thibaut Courtois

A night to forget for the Belgian. Couldn't do anything about the Osorio header but was perhaps slow to cover the near post. The Fer Niño goal that levelled it was a low, drilled strike across goal that Courtois will feel he should have stopped — he guessed the right way but couldn't get down quickly enough. His distribution was strong and he made one sharp save in the first half but the second-half defensive collapse happened in front of him and he could not bail Madrid out.

FotMob: 6.1 · WhoScored: 6.2 · Our Rating: 6.0

🛡️ Defenders

7.5

#12

Trent Alexander-Arnold ↓ 87'

A composed and intelligent performance at right back. Trent provided Madrid's best outlet in the first half with his precise forward passing and clever positioning. Completed 89% of his passes, created two chances and was always available in tight spaces. Substituted for Espí in the 87th minute — a tactical masterstroke in hindsight. Unlucky to be taken off, having been one of Madrid's better performers.

FotMob: 7.5 · WhoScored: 7.3 · Our Rating: 7.5

6.5

#16

Ibrahima Konaté 🟨 73'

Solid in the first half and commanding in aerial duels. But the yellow card in the 73rd minute — received for a clumsy challenge as Elche upped the tempo — was avoidable and indicative of the defensive fragility that crept in. Could not prevent either Elche goal. His positioning for the Fer Niño strike was poor and he was too easily bypassed for the Osorio header. Still, a mixed night rather than a bad one.

FotMob: 6.5 · WhoScored: 6.3 · Our Rating: 6.5

6.8

#4

Dean Huijsen

The Dutchman was composed and reading the game well for large stretches. Won his ground duels, made several smart interceptions and looked in control during the first half. The second-half difficulties were systemic rather than his alone, though he was caught flat-footed for Elche's equaliser when the backline failed to step up in time. A solid enough showing overall from a 20-year-old playing with maturity.

FotMob: 6.9 · WhoScored: 6.7 · Our Rating: 6.8

5.8

#17

Marc Cucurella

A difficult night at left back. Cucurella was dispossessed twice in dangerous areas and offered relatively little in the attacking phase. Elche's right side caused him problems throughout the second half and both their goals originated from his side of the pitch. Gave away set-pieces with reckless challenges. Not his night — and with the derby approaching, Mourinho will have concerns about the left flank.

FotMob: 5.9 · WhoScored: 5.8 · Our Rating: 5.8

⚽ Midfielders

7.4

#8

Federico Valverde

One of Madrid's most consistent performers on the night. Valverde covered every blade of grass — his relentless pressing in the first half suffocated Elche's build-up and his recovery runs in the second half prevented what could have been a more serious scoreline. Completed 87% of his passes and made five ball recoveries. Did not produce the decisive moments but his engine was at the heart of everything good about Madrid's pressing structure.

FotMob: 7.4 · WhoScored: 7.2 · Our Rating: 7.4

7.6

#14

Aurélien Tchouaméni ↓ 86'

A genuinely encouraging return for Tchouaméni in what is only his second appearance of the season. Operating as a proper double pivot alongside Valverde, he brought defensive structure and presence that Madrid have sorely missed. Won 4 of his 5 ground duels, intercepted twice and showed the physical sharpness that is returning steadily. Substituted at 86 minutes as a precautionary measure. The partnership with Valverde is one to build on.

FotMob: 7.6 · WhoScored: 7.3 · Our Rating: 7.6

🔥 Forwards

8.5

#25

Yan Diomande 🅰 33' 🟨 4' ↓ 90+2'

The most complete performance of his short Madrid career so far. Diomande was direct, intelligent and a constant source of danger on the right flank. His assist for Mbappé's goal — a perfectly timed, precise cut-back across the face of goal — was the moment of the first half. The early yellow card was unfortunate but he never let it inhibit his natural aggression. He was still torturing Elche's left back deep into stoppage time before being replaced. His first LaLiga goal involvement, and it could not have come at a more important moment.

FotMob: 8.5 · WhoScored: 8.2 · Our Rating: 8.5

7.6

#15

Arda Güler 🎯 25' (FK) ↓ 68'

The first goal had Güler's fingerprints all over it — his curling 25-yard free-kick whipped around the wall, struck the left post, ran along the goalline and deflected in off the goalkeeper. It was pure technique. For the first hour he was inventive, linking play cleverly and creating two more half-chances with his quick feet and vision. Withdrawn at 68 minutes to allow Bellingham on. An excellent first hour that included the most important moment of the game.

FotMob: 7.6 · WhoScored: 7.8 · Our Rating: 7.6

5.5

#7

Vinícius Júnior ↓ 68'

An unusually quiet and wasteful night for the Brazilian. He had the best chance of the first half to make it 3-0 but dragged his shot wide when the goal was gaping. Was dispossessed four times and failed to complete three of his seven dribble attempts — poor metrics by his standards. Elche's defensive shape managed to limit his influence with double coverage whenever he received the ball wide. Substituted at 68 minutes, a decision that looked fully justified given his performance level.

FotMob: 6.9 · WhoScored: 6.1 · Our Rating: 5.5

8.7

#10

Kylian Mbappé ⚽ 33' 🅰 90+1'

Mbappé was the dominant force in this match — a constant headache for Elche's backline and the man who ultimately delivered the victory in the most dramatic fashion. His first-half finish was crisp and clinical despite taking a blow to the knee from Dituro. He had a brace disallowed by VAR. But the defining moment came in the 90th minute — sensing Bellingham's run, he darted onto the pass, drew the last defender, and squared perfectly for Espí to tap in. FotMob's Man of the Match (8.7), and the number is deserved. Six goals and two assists in seven matches across all competitions this season. Unstoppable.

FotMob: 8.7 ⭐ MOTM · WhoScored: 8.4 · Our Rating: 8.7

🔄 Substitutes

6.6

#5

Jude Bellingham ↑ 68' 🅰 90+1'

Came on just as the match began to turn against Madrid and his arrival changed the dynamic of the midfield. His assist for Espí's winner was the key moment of his cameo — an incisive ball down the left channel played in behind the defence for Mbappé to run onto, precise and perfectly weighted. Not his most complete 22-minute shift but he delivered when it mattered most. Bellingham's ability to produce in clutch moments remains one of his defining qualities.

FotMob: 6.6 · WhoScored: 7.0 · Our Rating: 7.0

6.5

#21

Brahim Díaz ↑ 68'

Replaced Vinícius and tried to inject energy and directness into a Madrid attack that was starting to look nervous. Created one chance and was involved in the pressing that forced Elche errors. Not his most influential cameo but he worked hard in a difficult period of the match.

FotMob: 6.5 · Our Rating: 6.5

9.0

#19

Carlos Espí ↑ 87' ⚽ 90+1'

The hero. For the second time this season — having done it on his debut at Espanyol — Espí came off the bench in the dying minutes and delivered a match-winning goal. When Mbappé's perfectly judged square ball found him at the back post with the goal open, he did not hesitate. One touch, one goal, three points. No other player in LaLiga this season has scored two winners in the 90th minute or later. This is not luck. This is a player with the mental fortitude and physical readiness to produce when everything is on the line. Mourinho knows exactly what he has in Espí, and the fans are beginning to understand it too.

FotMob: N/R (short cameo) · Our Rating: 9.0 (impact)

N/R

#9

Endrick ↑ 86'

Only four minutes on the pitch — not enough to rate fairly. Brought on as a fresh runner as Madrid chased the game. His intent and energy were immediately visible, and he showed two sharp movements into space. His time is coming.

FotMob: N/R · Our Rating: N/R

The headline of this night belongs to Espí, but the architecture of the victory was built by Mbappé's relentless running, Güler's technical brilliance in the first hour, Diomande's first major contribution, and Tchouaméni's return to something approaching his best. The defensive frailty in the second half is a concern — Madrid simply cannot afford to switch off at 2-0 against opponents of higher quality. The Atlético derby awaits. Hala Madrid.

Labels:
2026/27 LaLiga Matchday 6 Away Win Player Ratings Real Madrid Elche Espí Mbappé Güler Mourinho September