Real Madrid Beat Real Valladolid in Santiago Solari's La Liga Managerial Debut

Real Madrid beat Real Valladolid 2-0 on Saturday in caretaker manager Santiago Solari's first La Liga game in charge of Los Blancos, thanks to a Kiko Olivas own goal and a Sergio Ramos penalty. 

Los Blancos began the game brightly but fizzled out quickly against an organised visiting side. Enes Unal and Toni Villa both had sights of goal for Real Valladolid in the opening 45 minutes but couldn't find a way past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

The hosts improved slightly after the break but needed a slice of luck to open the scoring on 83 minutes. Substitute Vinicius Junior drove inside from the right and sent in a cross that hit Olivas and wrong-footed goalkeeper Jordi Masip.

Ramos doubled their lead five minutes later from the penalty spot after Karim Benzema had been brought down. The captain chipped the penalty past Masip to make it two wins out of two for Solari.

Solari Needs to Bench Modric, Start Ceballos

Real Madrid may have taken all three points, but they toiled for long periods and struggled to create clear chances against Real Valladolid.

The midfield lacked the energy and drive needed to break down an organised visiting team. Their greatest threat in the first half was from crosses into the box from left-back Sergio Reguilon.

The second half brought a little more desire, but the team were lacking the usual spark and creativity provided by Luka Modric.

ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan said the Croatian needs a rest:

Madrid did go on to win the game, although it will surely not have escaped Solari's notice that their goals came from a big deflection and the penalty spot.

The win may prove to be a turning point for Madrid, but Solari does need to give Modric a rest.

The midfielder has enjoyed a successful year, winning a fourth UEFA Champions League and helping Croatia to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final. However, his exploits look to have caught up with him, and he would benefit from a break.

Dani Ceballos would be the perfect option to come into the team in his absence. The 22-year-old would bring the energy required and can help feed the Madrid attack.

Football writer Simon Harrison said he improves their midfield:

Despite the win, Real Madrid are still some way short of their best form, but freshening up the team would help them to regain their attacking power.

Vincius, Not Bale, Must Lead Madrid to Fix Its Woes

Gareth Bale endured another tough afternoon at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Wales international remains without a goal or an assist in La Liga since September.

His team once again toiled in attack, and Bale offered very little. He headed a cross just wide of the upright in the first half, but that was as close as he came to netting.

Corrigan showed how the home fans reacted to Bale:

Bale was expected to emerge from Cristiano Ronaldo's shadow after the Portuguese star's move to Juventus in the summer, but fans are still waiting for him to step up and lead the team.

The 29-year-old was substituted on 71 minutes for Lucas Vazquez as Solari searched for more threat from his attack.

Sportswriter Andy West noted how there were more whistles:

Madrid's inspiration finally arrived in the shape of Vinicius Junior. The 18-year-old came on for Marco Asensio on 73 minutes and helped break the deadlock with a cross that was deflected by Olivas.

It was a lucky break for the Brazilian, but he brought energy that was sorely lacking from the hosts previously.

Real Madrid are in need of a player who can lead them out of their current slump, and Vinicius has shown in his last two appearances that he can bring the inspiration required. 

Sergio Reguilon the Ideal Successor for Marcelo

Reguilon came in for the injured Marcelo at left-back and put in a performance that offers great hope for the future.

The 21-year-old was a real threat down the left side and produced plenty of quality deliveries into the penalty area.

Opta also noted how strong he was in possession:

Marcelo is widely regarded as one of the best left-backs in the world, but he will turn 31 in 2019 and is heading toward the end of his glittering career.

Replacing Marcelo is a tough ask, but Reguilon looked like an ideal successor.

What's Next?

Real Madrid are in UEFA Champions League action at Viktoria Plzen on Wednesday and then play Celta Vigo in La Liga on Sunday. Real Valladolid host Eibar in La Liga on Saturday.