Marc Cucurella was Real Madrid’s busiest player against Valencia, leading the match with 104 touches and 15 defensive actions. His passing also generated more expected threat than anyone else’s, returning 0.34 xT from open play across his 93 minutes.
Madrid occupied all 10 places at the top of the touches rankings. Dean Huijsen finished just behind Cucurella on 103, helping move possession forward with 13 progressive passes, the joint-highest total. He also recorded 11 defensive actions, joint second
in the match.
Further forward, Yan Diomande repeatedly took on Valencia’s defence. He completed six take-ons and made 13 progressive carries, leading both categories, while his 47 touches in the final third were another match high. All came during 83 minutes on the pitch.
Arda Güler played the same number of minutes, creating three shooting chances, second only to the match leader. He also had 37 touches in the final third and took shots worth 0.39 non-penalty xG, ranking third in both measures. He scored Madrid’s second goal from close range.
Valencia accounted for five of the top 10 players for completed take-ons, including Javi Guerra with two, although Diomande comfortably led the individual count with six.
