Real Madrid were not impressive, but they were able to grind out a tough victory in the end, defeating a very game Espanyol side on the road 2-1 to secure the full three points in Jose Mourinho's return. Here were the stars and flops from the matchup.
Star: CM Jude Bellingham
The deserving Man of the Match for Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham was by far the best player on the pitch, and it is sad how little credit the mainstream gives him for how he carries Madrid all around. Because if there is one player who deserves to be absolved of the criticism despite his status, then it is him.
Jude scored once with a header out of nowhere and nearly had another, while he ran his socks off in midfield to win the ball, progress the ball, and create chances for his teammates.
Flop: LW Vinicius Junior
Vinicius Junior had eight fouls drawn and three dribbles completed, but at least half of those fouls drawn were dives. The Brazilian international is too isolated on the left these days, but he also needs to be playing better. He never releases the ball on time and completes useless dribbles, usually ending up going out of bounds. Vini is a big disappointment right now, and Jose Mourinho needs to help him step up.
Star: RW Arda Guler
While playing Arda Guler on the right side is a bad idea because he lacks the athleticism to actually beat people and offers no goal threat, he still manages to shine because he is so incredible at creating chances. Guler had an assist from a set piece and seven chances created in total, and if it were not for his creation, Real Madrid would not have won.
Flop: ST Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe had 10 shots and 0 goals. Yes, he is an ever present danger with his movement and skill on the ball, but he is an awful finisher and passer. Real Madrid fans do not care about his goal record at France. This is Real Madrid and La Liga. This is a different competition, and Mbappe is not getting the job done, plain and simple.
Star: ST Carlos Espi
Meanwhile, Carlos Espi did get the job done. He picked up the play Mbappe was clearly screwing up and finished with no nonsense. Real Madrid missed a character like this off the bench, and Espi is already on his way to proving Mourinho right for the signing.
Flop: CM Bernardo Silva
There were some bright moments as a passer, but Bernardo Silva is going to have to do more in terms of positively contributing to Real Madrid if he wants to keep starting. Silva barely creating anything, won the ball just once, and failed to actually progress the ball to break defensive lines, instead just carrying it before meeting resistance. Against a smaller club like Espanyol, that is not even close to good enough for Real Madrid.
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