Real Madrid Player Ratings: Arda Güler Shines as Carlos Espí Seals 2-1 Win at Espanyol

Güler runs the show as Madrid overcome a stubborn Espanyol side

Real Madrid continued their strong start to the La Liga campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium, with Arda Güler producing the standout performance and substitute Carlos Espí scoring the decisive goal.

The result was far from straightforward for Xabi Alonso's side. Real Madrid dominated possession for long periods and created enough opportunities to win more comfortably, but Espanyol remained competitive and punished a defensive lapse to level the game. Madrid ultimately found a way through, with Espí making an immediate impact from the bench to secure three important points.

While several players impressed, Güler was comfortably Real Madrid's most influential attacker. The Turkish midfielder repeatedly found pockets of space, created chances and delivered dangerous set pieces throughout the match. His assist for Jude Bellingham's goal was one of several moments in which he demonstrated why expectations around him continue to rise.

Thibaut Courtois — 7

It was a relatively quiet evening for the Real Madrid goalkeeper. Courtois was rarely tested during the majority of the match and made two straightforward saves.

There was little he could do about Espanyol's goal, which came after a defensive lapse in front of him. Otherwise, the Belgian remained composed and provided the security expected of one of Madrid's most experienced players.

Denzel Dumfries — 7.5

Dumfries answered some of the questions surrounding his selection ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold with an energetic and disciplined performance.

The Dutchman was particularly effective when Real Madrid lost possession, using his physicality and aggression to win the ball back quickly. He finished with a team-high four tackles, highlighting his contribution to Madrid's defensive work.

His performance will give the coaching staff another reason to trust him in competitive matches.

Ibrahima Konaté — 8

Konaté was one of Real Madrid's most reliable players at the back.

The French centre-back used his physical strength effectively against Espanyol's attackers and repeatedly anticipated danger before it developed into a genuine chance. His positioning and reading of the game helped Madrid control Espanyol's attacking threat for much of the night.

Alongside Dean Huijsen, he formed a convincing central defensive partnership.

Dean Huijsen — 8

Huijsen complemented Konaté extremely well.

The young defender was composed in possession and particularly impressive when attempting to move the ball vertically from defence. His ability to break lines with his passing allowed Madrid to progress through the first phase of possession rather than relying exclusively on their midfielders.

Together, Huijsen and Konaté contributed to 10 important clearances, providing a strong foundation during Espanyol's spells of pressure.

Álvaro Carreras — 7

Carreras delivered another solid performance on the left.

He regularly pushed forward to create overloads and provided Madrid with an additional attacking outlet while remaining comfortable when asked to recycle possession. Although he did not dominate the match, his contribution was consistent and balanced.

Bernardo Silva — 6.5

Bernardo was not among Madrid's most eye-catching performers but played an important supporting role.

The Portuguese midfielder frequently dropped deeper to help Madrid build from the back and connect defence with attack. His ability to operate between the lines helped Madrid maintain control of possession, even if his individual influence in the final third was limited.

Fede Valverde — 6.5

Valverde's overall defensive contribution was strong, but one costly mistake prevented a higher rating.

He lost track of Cala during the sequence that led to Espanyol's equaliser, allowing the opposition player too much freedom. It was an unusual lapse from a midfielder normally renowned for his defensive awareness and work rate.

Outside that moment, Valverde worked hard and provided Madrid with plenty of energy in midfield.

Arda Güler — 9

Player of the match.

Güler produced a performance full of creativity and attacking intelligence. The Turkey international registered seven key passes and an assist, constantly looking for ways to unlock Espanyol's defensive structure.

His set-piece delivery was especially dangerous. Güler supplied the ball for Bellingham's goal and later produced another excellent delivery that nearly resulted in the England midfielder scoring again with his head.

Beyond the statistics, Güler's influence was evident every time Madrid entered the final third. He was frequently the player looking to accelerate attacks, find runners or create opportunities from difficult positions.

If this performance is an indication of what is to come, Güler could become one of the defining creative players in Madrid's attack this season.

Jude Bellingham — 8.5

Bellingham continued his excellent start to the campaign with another influential display.

The England international scored a superb header from Güler's delivery and came close to adding another when he connected with another dangerous set piece from the Turkish midfielder.

Bellingham also impressed in possession, showing his ability to escape pressure and move the ball forward. His defensive work was equally impressive, while he completed all six of his attempted long passes.

He remains one of Madrid's most complete midfielders.

Vinícius Jr — 5

This was a frustrating evening for Vinícius.

The Brazilian struggled to consistently beat his defender, completing only three of seven attempted dribbles and losing possession 15 times. He was unable to impose himself on the game in the way Madrid have become accustomed to seeing.

There was nevertheless one important contribution: Vinícius won the free kick that eventually resulted in Bellingham's goal.

It was not enough to turn his overall performance into a positive one, but the moment underlined that he can still influence matches even when his individual performance is below his usual standard.

Kylian Mbappé — 6

Mbappé had plenty of opportunities but was unable to turn them into a decisive attacking performance.

The French forward attempted 10 shots, although only three were on target. He produced some promising moments through his dribbling and combination play but occasionally held onto the ball too long and lost possession in deeper areas.

His movement nevertheless contributed to Madrid's winning goal, with his run helping create the space and sequence that eventually allowed Espí to finish.

It was not Mbappé's best night, but his ability to remain involved even when not at his sharpest remains valuable to Madrid.

Carlos Espí — 8

The match-winner.

Espí needed only a short period on the pitch to make a decisive contribution.

Introduced from the bench, the young forward continued his impressive pre-season form by scoring the goal that gave Madrid all three points. His finishing was clinical and his impact immediate.

For a player trying to establish himself within Madrid's squad, moments like this can be hugely significant.

Espí may not yet be one of the headline names at the club, but his ability to take opportunities when they arrive could earn him more minutes as the season progresses.

The substitutes

Yan Diomande — 6.5: His first appearance was difficult, particularly against an Espanyol side that had retreated into a compact defensive block. He struggled to find space and rhythm but had little room to operate.

Trent Alexander-Arnold — 6.5: The England international had limited time to influence the match but made one particularly important defensive contribution, cleanly winning possession in a one-on-one situation against Tyrhys Dolan.

Marc Cucurella — 6.5: Worked hard after coming on and helped Madrid manage the final stages of the match.

Eduardo Camavinga — 6.5: Had only 11 minutes but looked comfortable in possession and helped Madrid maintain control during the closing stages.

Verdict: Madrid find another way to win

Real Madrid were not at their best, particularly in attack, but the ability to win matches even when their biggest stars are not firing on all cylinders will be an important characteristic of any title-winning side.

Güler's creativity, Bellingham's quality and Espí's decisive contribution ultimately made the difference. Meanwhile, Konaté and Huijsen provided Madrid with a strong defensive platform.

There are still areas for improvement. Vinícius struggled, Mbappé was wasteful and Valverde's mistake allowed Espanyol back into the game.

But Madrid leave the RCDE Stadium with three points — and perhaps an even more encouraging takeaway: their squad has multiple players capable of deciding games.