Real Madrid player ratings vs Espanyol: Kylian Mbappe's absolutely lethal - Frenchman's electric start continues as Eder Militao launches a rocket

Thibaut Courtois (6/10):

Apart from one potentially hairy moment where he did well to stay on his feet he had very little to do and commanded his area well.

Dani Carvajal (7/10):

No red-card drama today as he organised things at the back and helped launch the counter-attack that led to Mbappe's goal.

Raul Asencio (7/10):

In for the suspended Dean Huijsen and swept up well on the cover, albeit he was guilty of being a little rash at times.

Eder Militao (9/10):

What. A. Goal. His spectacular strike from distance almost ripped the net off and his aggression at the back meant Roberto Fernandez was no match for him. Elite.

Alvaro Carreras (8/10):

An impressive outing from the ex-Manchester Untied full-back who was strong in the tackle and glided forward effortlessly when he had the ball at his feet. He's made that left-back spot his own.

Federico Valverde (6/10):

A quiet afternoon for Valverde, who didn't really need to produce one of his all-action displays. Still, kept things moving in the right direction and contributed to the win.

Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):

Plays a crucial role in shielding the back four when he does get the nod although wasn't put under much pressure by Espanyol's blunt attack here.

Franco Mastantuono (7/10):

It's hard to believe he's just 18 years old. Looked a constant threat with his neat footwork and composure on the ball and also got back to help out defensively. Might've been sent off for a high boot and was quickly hooked by Xabi Alonso shortly after.

Kylian Mbappe (8/10):

A frustrating first half saw him waste one glorious chance in front of goal but made up for it with a powerful strike from distance to make it 2-0.

Vinicius Junior (6/10):

A bit of a mixed bag. Wasn't clinical enough with his finishing, and probably should've done better when he struck the post, but did claim the assist for Mbappe's goal and looked a threat when accelerating forward.

Gonzalo Garcia (5/10):

A pretty anonymous display from the 21-year-old who will have hoped to make a lot more of the rare opportunity to start. Hooked after an hour.

Arda Guler (6/10):

On for Gonzalo Garcia on the hour mark but had little impact, with the game already won.

Rodrygo (6/10):

Replaced Vinicius for the final 15 minutes but didn't see much of the ball.

Brahim Diaz (6/10):

Came on for Mastantuono but Madrid had stopped attacking with any intent.

Jude Bellingham (N/A):

Made his long-awaited return from injury as he got the final minutes.

Eduardo Camavinga (N/A):

On for Tchouameni to see out stoppage time.

Xabi Alonso (7/10):

Took a bit of a risk with his attacking line-up, against a side who have started the 2025-26 in impressive fashion, but it ultimately paid off. His side made a slow and indifferent start but once they got that crucial first goal they managed the game well and comfortably maintained their 100 per cent start to the season. Bring on Atleti next weekend.