Real Madrid player ratings vs. Real Sociedad: Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe to the rescue! Star attacking duo rely on penalties to bail out sloppy Blancos

Carlo Ancelotti's big names both converted from the spot to wrap up an uneasy win

There are going to be days like this for Real Madrid - days where Los Blancos didn't play well at all, but their star men get them over the line. Such was the case against Real Sociedad, when Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr both converted from the spot to make a 2-0 win look far more assured than it actually was.

La Real came closest early on, Luka Sucic smashing an effort off the bar with Thibaut Courtois beaten. Sheraldo Becker did the same soon after. Los Blancos, for their part, were lacking in ideas, and didn't really create a clear chance in the first half.

That changed after the break, though. Carlo Ancelotti's side looked a more effective attacking unit almost immediately, and grabbed the lead as a result. Vinicius was the man to get on the scoresheet, squeezing a penalty into the bottom corner after Arda Guler's goal-bound effort struck the arm of a defender.

The Brazilian won the penalty that set up the second, dancing round two defenders before being tripped in the box. This time, Mbappe did the honours, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to wrap up a 2-0 win.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Anoeta...

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Goalkeeper & Defence
Thibaut Courtois (7/10):
Made a couple of decent saves, caught a blow to the chest, looked a bit shaky after, ended the whole thing with a clean sheet.
Dani Carvajal (7/10):
One of his scrappier showings. Relished the physical stuff, and got the better of his man for the most part. Usually offers a bit more going forward, though.
Eder Militao (6/10):
Won 100% of his tackles, 100% of his headers, and covered space well. Some of his passing was very poor, though.
Antonio Rudiger (6/10):
Always up for his one-on-ones, but didn't always deal with the long ball too effectively. Looked relieved when Sadiq went off.
Ferland Mendy (6/10):
Kept Kubo reasonably quiet, before being dragged out of his position every now and then. Not his most assured showing.

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Midfield
Federico Valverde (7/10):
A mixed showing in the 'Toni Kroos' role. At times, his passing was excellent, but he also lacked control every now and then. Could still do with being a bit more assertive.
Luka Modric (6/10):
A rare full 90 minutes from the 39-year-old. Classy throughout, even if he really seemed to tire towards the end.
Arda Guler (6/10):
Really dangerous when he got on the ball in pockets of space, but was sometimes outmuscled as a centre-midfielder. Not his best position.
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Attack
Brahim Diaz (N/A):
A promising start before he was removed with an apparent leg injury. Could be big with the Champions League looming.
Kylian Mbappe (7/10):
Vibrant throughout, narrowly missed a couple of good chances before the break. Sent the keeper the wrong way to make it 2-0.
Vinicius Jr (7/10):
Pretty much anonymous in the first half, much livelier in the second. Finished the first penalty and won the second. Perennially world class.

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Subs & Manager
Rodrygo (5/10):
A surprise absentee. Brought on for Brahim after 24 minutes. Didn't offer much over 70 disappointing minutes.
Lucas Vazquez (6/10):
Extra legs late on.
Endrick (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Carlo Ancelotti (6/10):
Made a few interesting changes, including leaving Rodrygo out. His side were pretty poor, all things considered, but showed up in key moments. He won't like to have to rely so heavily on his main men, but that's what world class footballers are for.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Midfield

Attack

Subs & Manager