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Federico Valverde made subtle but crucial difference
On a night where much of the focus was on the somewhat disgruntled figure in the dugout it is fair to say many could have overlooked the impressive debut of Federico Valverde.
The industrious Uruguayan midfielder replaced Isco before the hour mark and contributed to the win in more ways than one.
Moments after coming on Valverde was involved in the second and winning goal, with his flicked pass finding Bale on the edge of the box whose return ball was picked up by goalscorer Marcelo.
The defensive side of his game is where the 20-year-old is most impressive though. Lopetegui's middlemen were at times outmuscled by their Czech counterparts but, with his physically imposing frame and confidence on the ball, Valverde added stability to Madrid's midfield.
His passing was neat and precise, as outlined by his completion rate of 91%, and he demonstrated composure of a player significantly ahead of his years in an atmosphere that would have flustered others of his experience.
Valverde reiterated the range of his abilities with an audacious outside-of-the-boot cross to Benzema in the dying moments of the game to show he has both flair and physicality on his side. He is very much a player to be excited about for Real.
