The “Turkish Messi” provided a crucial moment as Carlo Ancelotti’s side picked up three valuable points.

Arda Guler, making his first La Liga start for the club, scored the only goal of the game to hand his side a 1-0 win and inch closer to regaining the title.

Los Blancos pieced together a largely unspectacular performance. Reserve goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was called into action on a handful of occasions in the first half, while the Madrid attack toiled. Guler provided the crucial moment, though, sneaking in at the far post to meet Dani Carvajal’s cross and give his side a 1-0 lead.

La Real thought they had an equaliser when Take Kubo curled one into the far corner, but his goal was harshly ruled out for a foul in the build up. The home side had further chances in the second half, seeing another goal ruled out – this time for offside – and narrowly missing on two other occasions.

By the end of it all, Los Blancos were left holding onto a scrappy win, one of the litany of young talents at their disposal to thank for a moment of quality.

We rates Real Madrid’s players from Anoeta…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Kepa Arrizabalaga: 7

Made a nice save or two, kept a clean sheet. Job done.

Dani Carvajal: 8

Worked tirelessly on the right, and assisted the winner. He’s been excellent this season.

Eder Militao: 6

Not bad in his first start in six months – one nutmeg notwithstanding.

Nacho: 5

Filled in for Antonio Rudiger. Wasn’t his most composed performance, and he was fortunate to end the game still on the pitch.

A few sloppy decisions but largely held his own in a surprisingly busy performance.

Fran Garcia: 7

An energetic showing on the left flank. Handled Kubo well, and also looked to get forward. He’s improved of late.

Midfield

Aurelien Tchouameni: 7

Not his finest game in midfield. Pushed around a bit, and didn’t have a big impact defensively. Played a wonderful pass to set up the winner, though.

Luka Modric: 8

As elegant as ever on the ball, and made things happen around the box. Noticeably struggled to get involved in a game which required more defending than anything else

Brahim Diaz: 5

Not on the ball as much as Ancelotti would have liked, and didn’t do loads when he had it. Far from his best game.

Attack

Arda Guler: 8

Clear stand-out in Madrid’s forward line. Took his goal well and played with some serious confidence as he tried to add to his tally.

Impactful throughout, and grabbed the winner. Another talent has arrived.

Joselu: 5

Not his best showing. Ran a lot, won a few headers, but could never impact the game.

Dani Ceballos: 5

Rather misused coming off the left wing, and he never really settled into the game. Could probably do with going elsewhere for more minutes

Subs & Manager

Federico Valverde: 7

Added midfield thrust to see the game out.

Vinicius Jr: 6

A late burst of energy. Unlucky not to grab an assist.

Antonio Rudiger (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Eduardo Camavinga (N/A):

No time to make an impact.