Real Madrid 5-2 Celta Vigo: Player ratings as Karim Benzema nets hat trick
Eduardo Camavinga scored on his debut as Real Madrid maintained their unbeaten start to the Liga season by securing a 5-2 victory over Celta Vigo on their return to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Los Blancos had to come from behind twice to win with Karim Benzema stealing the show with a fine hat trick and an assist.
Celta got off to a dream start when Santi Mina capitalised on some sloppy play from Real before finishing calmly from close range inside four minutes.
It did not take long for the hosts to draw level, though, with Benzema grabbing an equaliser midway through the first half. Casemiro started the move, pinging a delicious crossfield pass to Fede Valverde who produced a one-touch cross that the Frenchman smashed home.
Soon after, Celta - who looked threatening on the counter throughout - restored their lead. The impressive Iago Aspas drove his side forward and put one on a plate for Franco Cervi, who tapped into the empty net after his initial effort hit the post.
Real came flying out of the blocks in the second half, pegging Celta back after just 45 seconds when Benzema nodded home MIguel Gutierrez's deep cross. Los Blancos then grabbed their first lead of the game. This time Benzema turned creator, slipping Vini Jr. in to score his fourth goal of the season.
Real's evening got even better in the 72nd minute when new signing and substitute Camavinga scored a tap-in after Luka Modric's effort was saved. In the dying embers Benzema then completed his hat trick, blasting a penalty past Matias Dituro after Vini Jr. was brought down in the box.
Here are your Real player ratings from the Spanish capital...
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Thibaut Courtois (GK) - 6/10 - Made a couple of really good stops, particularly in the second half. Not a great deal he could do for the goals.
Dani Carvajal (RB) - 5/10 - Made a few sloppy errors and was not the most convincing in one-on-one situations.
Eder Militao (CB) - 5/10 - Slow to close down Santi Mina for the first goal. Some of his positioning was suspect at times.
Nacho (CB) - 4/10 - Endured a terrible first half in which he was culpable for both goals and also picked up a poor booking. The sooner David Alaba returns, the better.
Miguel Gutierrez (LB) - 7/10 - Did not look nervous on what was his first appearance at the Bernabeu. Provided an excellent assist for Benzema. Left-back was a problem area last season, so his emergence as a first-teamer will please Carlo Ancelotti.
2. Midfielders
Fede Valverde (CM) - 7/10 - Full of energy and his assist from Benzema's opener was sumptuous. His ability to carry the ball and operate in wide areas offers his side so much.
Casemiro (CM) - 6/10 - Made an uncharacteristic error in the lead up to the first goal. He also struggled to stem Celta's counter attacks for most of the game, but did help create the opener with a fine pass.
Luka Modric (CM) - 7/10 - Showed his class with some terrific long-ranged passes. The creative heartbeat of his team.
3. Forwards
Eden Hazard (RW) - 6/10 - The least eye-catching of the Real front three. Another game without a goal or an assist.
Karim Benzema (ST) - 10/10 - So, so, so good. Scored two excellent goals and also assisted Vini Jr for his strike. The complete forward.
Vinicius Junior (LW) - 9/10 - Excellent. Went close on several occasions before taking his goal excellently in the second half and then winning a penalty. He is scoring with real consistency now. This could be the season his arrives as a superstar.
4. Substitutes
Eduardo Camavinga - 7/10 - He won't ever score an easier goal but the new arrival won't care. A dream start for a player not known for his scoring prowess.
Marco Asensio - 6/10 - Not a great deal to report.
Marcelo - N/A
Rodrygo - N/A
