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Real Madrid has started the year 2025 in the most Madrid style. Against Valencia in their first match of the year, Carlo Ancelotti’s men found themselves at a disadvantage in the first half thanks to a goal from Hugo Duro (as usual). A missed penalty, a red card for Vinicius and a lot of drama later, Jude Bellingham and Luka Modric helped achieve the comeback at Mestalla.
Here are three players who impressed in this comeback.
Judas Bellingham
Jude Bellingham was the man of the moment in this Real Madrid comeback. The England international was involved in both of Madrid’s goals, scoring the winning goal and assisting the equalizer. The 21-year-old now has seven goals and four assists in his last eight La Liga games, scoring in seven of those games. His scoring form from last season is back.
The former Dortmund midfielder had an incredible outing and won five of his nine aerial duels in this match. Their pressure helped create the winning goal and their positioning was instrumental in creating the tie. His defensive effort was absolutely sensational, recording six recoveries and making three interceptions. Its territorial map once again emphasizes its omnipresent coverage in the field, between the lines.
Jude Bellingham finally defeated the ghost that denied him a goal last season and made him miss a penalty in this match at Mestalla. He took the lead, despite missing a penalty, and achieved a memorable comeback in Valencia.
Luka Modric
Luka Modric had a direct impact from the bench, scoring Madrid’s first and starting the comeback. At 39 years and 116 days, the Croatian became the oldest scorer in the history of Real Madrid, surpassing Puskas, becoming engraved in the history of Real Madrid.
Despite his limited touches, Modric demonstrated his brilliant understanding of the game to create impact. His excellent performance as third man in the first goal was key for Real Madrid to tie for first place. His movement in the last 40% of the field towards the end allowed Madrid to add play and maintain offensive pressure.
The most decorated player in Real Madrid’s history has been part of multiple such comebacks and once again proved key with his late run as Real Madrid looked to stifle Valencia in their own third. He made four recoveries in just 11 minutes on the pitch and read the play brilliantly.
Eduardo Camavinga
Camavinga came on as a substitute and despite playing just 25 minutes, the Frenchman had a great impact from his initial position as left back. He was influential on the offensive end, recording touches, being aggressive and assisting in pressing, while also being astute defensively.
Even though LB is not his natural position, the 22-year-old has delivered brilliant performances from that position. His influence on the attacking end was very evident as he recorded 11 touches in the final third during his cameo, just three less than Ferland Mendy. His tackle and his eagerness to recover the ball also helped Madrid in their pressure strategy.
His quality on the ball in a fast-paced, tight-spaced game was also crucial and improved Real Madrid’s ability to sustain the attack in the final third of the field. He has shown enough to warrant a starting spot (at any position at this point) in upcoming games.
