Real Madrid vs. Valencia: 3 takeaways from a refreshingly easy win

Lucas Vazquez is called upon again by Real Madrid

Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez returned to the squad on Sunday after missing a few matches with injury. But Carva’s return did not even last 30 minutes, as he suffered an aggravation of his injury and needed to be subbed off for Vazquez.

The right winger and backup right back was quietly solid for Real Madrid in another match at the position, showing that he has become a much more reliable backup right back for Los Blancos than Alvaro Odriozola.

Vazquez actually led the team with five key passes and played a key role in the build-up play. He had a few questionable passes and clearances, but he worked hard, as ever, defensively and offered the attacking intent and quality around the penalty box that Los Blancos need from that right-hand side.

With Carvajal potentially set to miss more time and in need of an even more cautious approach with his injury, Vazquez will be called upon several more times. The Atalanta fixture is the one to spotlight, as left-handed midfielder Robin Gosens has become a borderline world-class player for the Serie A side. That could prove to be a key battle for Vazquez, who has mostly been game in the Champions League, referring to his masterful display vs. Borussia Monchengladbach.