Valencia 1-0 Real Madrid: Los Blancos' Player Ratings as Vinicius Junior sees red in a fierce contest | La Liga 2022-23

Real Madrid fell to a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Valencia in La Liga on Sunday, May 21.

Los Blancos entered this game on the back of an uncharacteristically poor run of form. Despite winning three of their last six games, they lacked a cutting edge in front of the goal. Carlo Ancelotti's men were also humbled 4-0 by Manchester City in the Champions League semi-finals.

To put that behind them, the Italian named a mixed lineup as some of the fringe players were handed starts.

Real Madrid made a good start to the game and looked to keep the ball for extended spells in a bid to slowly phase out the rampant home support at the Mestalla Stadium. Valencia, however, seemed prepared for this approach as they looked sharp and decisive despite having just 28% of the ball in the first period.

The hosts attempted seven shots with five of those on target and even grabbed the lead in the first half as Diego Lopez Noguerol fired them ahead after 33 minutes. The first half did not have much drama as Valencia led Real Madrid 1-0 at the interval.

The second half saw both managers frequently turn to their respective benches as they tried to make game-altering changes. The referee was heavily involved too, dishing out six yellow cards and one red card in an eventful second half.

Real Madrid dominated possession yet again, attempting 10 shots with four on target. But they were unable to find a way past Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Valencia defended bravely and held on to secure the win despite 10 minutes of second-half stoppage time. On that note, let's take a look at Los Blancos' player ratings.

---

Real Madrid Player Ratings

---

Thibaut Courtois - 7.5/10

Courtois made five saves and distributed the ball with 86% accuracy in a good individual performance.

---

Lucas Vazquez - 6/10

Vazquez struggled on his return to the starting XI for Real Madrid and had a poor outing.

---

Eder Militao - 7/10

Militao was solid in defense as he won all five of his duels, making two clearances, two blocks and one tackle. He passed the ball with 91% accuracy, including one cross.

---

Antonio Rudiger - 6.5/10

Rudiger had a decent game as he won three duels, making two clearances, one interception and one tackle.

---

Ferland Mendy - 6.5/10

Mendy performed well on his return to the lineup and was active in going up and down the left flank.

---

Dani Ceballos - 6.5/10

Ceballos had a decent game in midfield and passed the ball well.

---

Aurelien Tchouameni - 7.5/10

Tchouameni played as the holding midfielder and did really well. He won nine of his 11 duels, making three tackles, two blocks, one interception and one clearance. He also completed three dribbles and played three long balls.

---

Eduardo Camavinga - 6/10

Camavinga struggled to get into the game and put in a lackluster performance overall.

---

Marco Asensio - 8/10

Asensio was at his creative best for Real Madrid with the ball. He completed four dribbles, playing two key passes, two crosses and one long ball. He also attempted two shots but failed to hit the target.

---

Karim Benzema - 7/10

Benzema had a decent game and attempted two shots on target but failed to beat Mamardashvili.

---

Vinicius Junior - 6.5/10

Vinicius had a good game but was sent off for violent conduct in the 97th minute.

---

Substitutes

---

Rodrygo - 6.5/10

He replaced Camavinga at half-time and played well.

---

Toni Kroos - 6.5/10

He replaced Ceballos in the second half and added some control to Real Madrid's midfield.

---

Luka Modric - 6.5/10

He replaced Asensio in the second half and put in a decent cameo.

---

Dani Carvajal & Federico Valverde - N/A

The pair came on with very less time left on the clock and played very few minutes to warrant a rating.