Real Madrid had to come back after giving up an early goal, just like they had to do in their other home game this year. And they did it, winning 2-1 once more, exactly like they did against Getafe. Fede Valverde and Joselu’s goals at the start of the second half changed the game in favor of Los Blancos after Ander Barrenetxea’s opening strike. Although the team has now won five straight games, there is still much to debate following this less-than-ideal showing. Three questions and three responses are provided below.

1. Kepa vs. Remiro: Which former teammates would prevail in a fight?

The goalkeeper matchup for this game pitted Kepa Arrizabalaga against Lex Remiro, a former teammate. Back in 2014–15, the two played together for Athletic Club’s B squad, with Remiro taking over as the current Real Madrid goalkeeper went on loan during Kepa’s first half of the season. It was their first time competing against one another in the first division. Over the course of the 90 minutes, they both performed some very outstanding saves. The outstanding parries of the goalkeepers, who also made several outstanding saves on offside opportunities that eventually didn’t show up in the stats, were the reason the score stayed as low as it did.

2. Would Carvajal be at his best following his first game throughout the week?

In the season’s opening few games, Dani Carvajal was playing superbly and appeared to be in his prime. Real Madrid did, however, only play one game per week to start the new season. Given that the 31-year-old played the entire 90 minutes for Spain in both of their games over the international break, how would he fare after his first midweek match of the season? He did, in fact, manage to keep it at that high level. The captain for tonight was active both in defense and offense and didn’t display any signs of weariness. The right-back certainly does appear to be in much better physical shape than in recent seasons. However, it remains to be seen whether Carvajal’s gluten-free diet will be enough to maintain him in shape throughout the demanding schedule that lies ahead.

3. Open or closed roof?

Another mystery that awaited those traveling to the Bernabéu for this game was whether or not the roof would be open. You questioned whether they would close the roof once more to play in dome-like conditions after playing against Getafe with it closed and taking into account that it was a rainy Sunday in the Spanish capital. No, the roof was left open for this person to allow in the nighttime in Madrid. That’s unquestionably a positive thing. Football is an outside activity, so only certain situations, not every game, should require the roof to be closed.

1.What happened to Fran Garca during halftime, to name one?

For Fran Garca, this was a game of two halves. The left-back struggled mightily in the first half against Kubo before doing a better job in the second half of keeping the Japanese winger in check. Additionally, Fran Garca unexpectedly began participating in the assault after the break, helping to set up goals by Valverde and Joselu. Yes, the Uruguayan’s skill was largely responsible for the Valverde strike, but Fran Garca did set up his colleague brilliantly for a first-time hit. The cross to Joselu for the second assist was then delivered with the utmost precision. Unsurprisingly, he was given a yellow card for fouling Kubo and removed with 15 minutes remaining, but this turned out to be a good performance from the young player when the evaluation changed drastically at halftime.

2. In Vincius’ absence, should Rodrygo be exerting himself more?

One player who didn’t quite lift his game enough was Rodrygo, who hasn’t stepped up as much as some had hoped he would after Vincius got hurt. The Brazilian has attempted to score in each of the last two games, as evidenced by his 13 shots. He simply isn’t clinical or effective at this time, though. This season, there has just been one goal with no assists, but more is anticipated. It might be a different scenario if there was more rivalry.

3. Should Kubo be brought back by Real Madrid?

Kubo played this game quite well. Before the majority of Real Madrid players had woken up, he helped his team get off to a fast start and then scored a beautiful goal that was disallowed for an offside touch on the way through. The Japanese star, who is still only 22 years old, has been among LaLiga’s top performers through the first five matchdays. Real Madrid was able to insert a condition that grants them preference if the Basque club decides to transfer the winger when they sold him to Real Sociedad. With Madrid media hyping it and Basque media downplaying it, it’s unclear exactly how that clause operates. Should Real Madrid even attempt to resurrect Kubo, any way? Perhaps they ought to, given what we’ve seen of him this season and toward the close of the previous. Anyway, it’ll be entertaining to see him when he plays Inter this week in his Champions League debut.