Carlo Ancelotti’s teenage revelation put on an incredible display in a triumph that wasn’t as clear-cut as the score suggested.

Despite goals from Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Federico Valverde, Arda Guler emerged as the actual master craftsman as Real Madrid trounced Leganes 3-0 on Sunday. With a masterclass in midfield, the Turkish teenager guided a Madrid team that was otherwise lacking and seemed to fall well short of their immense potential.

Mbappe had the ball in the net but it was ruled offside during Carlo Ancelotti’s team’s early half-chances. Guler, who had been granted a rare start, also caused havoc and had a shot saved after he managed to get past the Leganes defense. Los Blancos had a dismal start overall, at times looking confused up front and sluggish while trying to get the ball back.

Vinicius Jr. changed the course of proceedings after a Bellingham tackle by grabbing a loose ball and squared for Mbappe, who couldn’t miss from close range. Valverde added a second goal after the half by hammering home a free-kick at the near post, and Bellingham scored the game-winning third in the last seconds after Brahim Diaz’s deflected attempt came delightfully off the bar.

Madrid labored for long stretches here and may have lost to a more powerful and expansive club, even if the score seemed to be in their favor. That will surely be put to the test on Wednesday when they go to Liverpool for the Champions League.

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Thibaut Courtois, goalkeeper and defense (6/10):

Very little more than claiming a few crosses.

Valverde Federico (7/10):

 

was all over the right side and smashed a free-kick into the bottom corner. He might be a good fit at this position, particularly when Madrid has the ball most of the time.

Rudiger, Antonio (7/10):

efficiently managed space and made sure Garcia could advance a short distance.

Asencio Raul (7/10):

The 21-year-old made an outstanding debut and seemed right at home right away.

Fran Garcia (6/10):

Despite having a commendable work ethic, he occasionally left some important gaps in his work.

Eduardo Camavinga, midfield (6/10):

All-around good but not outstanding. Dribbled forward, cut passing lanes, and covered land.

5/10 for Dani Ceballos:

rarely missed a pass, but mostly merely existed during the game.

Guler Arda (8/10):

Sometimes magical, bursting with vitality and inventiveness. He should have been more on the ball for Madrid.

Bellingham, Jude (8/10):

ran it, hands down, in central midfield. got the ball back in the build-up to the first goal and made a number of excellent runs in midfield. scored the third as well. It’s not terrible for a player to be required to play three positions at once.

 

Attack

Kylian Mbappe (5/10):

Scored the opener, but was otherwise pretty woeful. Can’t seem to time a run and his defensive effort is nowhere to be found.

Vinicius Jr (7/10):

Probably his worst 30 minutes of the year to start things. Improved immensely after, assisting Mbappe and causing real problems. He’s the real star here, in truth.

Subs & Manager

Brahim Diaz (6/10):

lively off the bench; it’s a shame he didn’t start.

(N/A) Luka Modric:

It’s a decent closer.

Endrick (N/A):

A rare cameo, but he surely had a spirited appearance.

Ancelotti, Carlo (6/10):

fielded a drastically changed lineup to show that Wednesday’s Champions League encounter at Anfield is a primary priority. Madrid had a few absolutely exceptional individual moments, despite their occasionally subpar performance, and that was ultimately enough.