NO VINÍCIUS! GULER'S TIME TO SHINE? | VALENICA vs REAL MADRID PREVIEW

Real Madrid swept past Valencia with an authoritative display of tactical polish and ruthless precision. Valencia held firm only until Mbappé was brought down, with the resulting set-piece paving the way for Valverde's opener. The challenge triggered bewildered fury from culprit Pablo Maffeo, who was incensed by what he deemed an officiating error from referee Francisco Hernández. Afforded room to operate, Arda Güler stepped up in style to dictate proceedings for the visitors, scoring once and laying another on a plate for Mbappé.

 Valencia

Javier Aguirre had configured his side to stifle Madrid's attacking thrusts, earmarking Mbappé for close attention, and in fleeting moments the blueprint held firm. Yet 'El Vasco' had openly acknowledged the Frenchman was virtually unplayable, and Mbappé duly proved him right: unlocking the rearguard, winning the free-kick, striking the initial set-piece, and watching the loose ball break for Valverde's sledgehammer, with the Uruguayan drilling a venomous low strike from distance into the far corner. Valencia had earlier offered the first real scare when Courtois brilliantly parried Mayol's stinging drive. Falling behind, however, left the hosts bereft of incision in the Madrid penalty area, before Güler extinguished any lingering resistance. Gayà's red card rounded off a torrid outing, reigniting the trademark Mestalla hostility that unfailingly greets Madrid on 'Che' territory.

 Real Madrid

Madrid have enjoyed an immaculate run since the previous international break and head into the next breathing down Barcelona's necks. Retaining virtually the same line-up that conquered Camp Nou, with Courtois drafted in as the solitary change, the visitors dictated the tempo and prised open the hosts at will once Valverde broke the deadlock. Güler governed the rhythm, fashioned Madrid's sharpest openings and, to Mourinho's delight, exhibited remarkable maturity out of possession. The playmaker tucked away the second before supplying Madrid's third for Mbappé, who finished with the swagger of Ronaldo Nazário decades before him. It proved a commanding, masterclass victory orchestrated by Arda Güler, who looks well and truly to have come of age as Madrid's midfield general.