Real Madrid

Real Madrid player ratings vs Girona: Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao brought to their knees by four-goal Valentin Castellanos

Thomas Hindle
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Eder Militao reacts Real Madrid Girona 2022-23
MLS loanee Valentin 'Taty' Castellanos scored all four Girona goals as the hosts battered a miserable Real Madrid side.

The New York City FC loanee ran Real Madrid ragged to give La Liga newcomers Girona a 4-2 win over the reigning champions.

Castellanos bagged his first early, finishing a well-constructed counter-attack with a neat header. The striker doubled his side's advantage shortly after, nutmegging backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin under pressure from two Madrid defenders.

Vinicius Junior pulled one back before half time, but Madrid were helpless otherwise. Castellanos bagged two more in the second half, leaving Real Madrid shocked. It was the first time the club have conceded for to a player this century. Not a good look for centre-back pairing Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger, but certainly a historic day for MLS fans watching back in the United States.

Castellanos was removed with 20 minutes remaining, and Girona were comfortable from there, despite a late Real Madrid goal from Lucas Vasquez. La Liga may be gone for Los Blancos, but performances matter. And this one was a shocker.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Estadi Montilivi...

Editors' Picks

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence
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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Andriy Lunin (3/10):

    His first start since mid-February after Thibaut Courtois was ruled out due to gastroenteritis. Conceded four, could have stopped two. Not the game he wanted in a rare start.

    Dani Carvajal (4/10):

    Had a miserable night defensively.

    Eder Militao (3/10):

    Held off by the far shorter Castellanos for Girona's second. Given the runaround by the Argentina forward.

    Antonio Rudiger (3/10):

    Lost track of Castellanos twice. Didn't cover himself in glory otherwise

    Nacho (3/10):

    Saw two of the three Girona goals come down his side. Hooked after 51 minutes.

  2. Midfield
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    Midfield

    Federico Valverde (5/10):

    Another disappearing act from a player who doesn't look like he belongs in central midfield.

    Toni Kroos (4/10):

    Caught wildly out of position on multiple occasions. Unimaginative in possession.

    Luka Modric (5/10):

    Created four chances, but didn't track back on the Girona goals. Substituted after an hour, likely to protect his legs in a lost cause.

  4. Attack
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    Attack

    Marco Asensio (5/10):

    Rewarded with a start after an excellent weekend performance. Assisted Vinicius, but was quiet otherwise.

    Rodrygo (5/10):

    Had an audacious attempt denied inside a minute. Blasted one over halfway through the first period. Tried some tricks, but was otherwise left frustrated.

    Vinicius Junior (7/10):

    Usual lively self. Made some opponents look very silly early on and took his goal well. Also provided a lovely assist. But he got too involved in off-the-ball antics, and perhaps should've been sent off.

  5. Subs & Manager
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    Subs & Manager

    Eduardo Camavinga (6/10):

    Came on for Nacho, but didn't close down the cross for Castellanos' fourth.

    Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):

    Offered much-needed defensive solidity.

    Lucas Vazquez (N/A):

    Not the most memorable occasion for a rare goal.

    Mariano Diaz (N/A):

    What was he supposed to do?

    Carlo Ancelotti (2/10):

    Rotated his squad once again, with Karim Benzema, Eduardo Camavinga and David Alaba all out. Endured a nightmarish evening without some of his big names. The kind of showing that will leave some questioning his credentials to stay in the job.