Real Madrid began their La Liga title defence with a hard-fought victory over newly promoted Almeria, coming from behind to win 2-1 Estadio del Mediterraneo on Sunday.
Almeria had a bright start, opening the scoring by Largie Ramazani in the sixth minute on the clock, with a beautiful ball from Inigo Eguaras. Real Madrid had not really a good first half, conceding the goal so early. Ancelloti was started the lineup with club’s new signings, Antonio Rudiger as the Centre Back and Aurelien Tchousmeni at the Defensive Midfield position. Both players didnt look very good, losing focus and easily getting dispossessed by the opposition press. Despite that Real Madrid manage to fire 17 shots, 7 on target in the first half itself, keeping most of the ball possession.
However things changed in the second half, while Ancelloti made the substitutions, replacing Camavinga with Luka Modric and Tchouameni with Eden Hazard, adding more creatvity and fluidity to the midfield, which led to the first goal by Lucas Vasquez at the 61’ minute.
👏 ¡Debut en @LaLiga!
🙌 @atchouameni
💪 @ToniRuediger pic.twitter.com/kh1LfHiT1q— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) August 14, 2022
And then another substitution of David Alaba, replacing Ferland Mendy, on a right occasion when Real Madrid were awarded a freekick at the edge of Almeria’s 18 yard box; which was taken by Alaba and he curling it into the top corner, hitting the pole and the ball went inside at 75’ minute on the clock.
Converting his first touch into a goal was something special from Alaba, that’s what he mentioned during the post match interview.
Once Real Madrid were taken the lead, they dominated the game by keeping the ball most of the time, putting constant pressure on Almeria. It was not a easy game for them of course, as Almeria also created couple of good chances through press and had the eye for counter attack chances.
By the end, Real Madrid had in total 29 shots taken, 15 on target. Vinicius Jr from the left wing and Federico Valverde from the right wing made tremendous runs and crossing, looking for Benzema; however Benzema was not at his best missing couple of good chances and misfirings.
With this win, Real Madrid are on 3rd in the La-Liga table lacking only behind Villarreal and Osasuna, separated by the goal difference. While their arch-rival Barcelona are at the 8th position, as they failed to secure their victory against Rayo Vallecano, sharing the points among them.
Real Madrid are going to play next against Celta-Vigo, which is going to an away game for Los Blancos, while Barcelona is going to travel to San Sabastian to play against Real Sociedad and Barcelona’s record at San Sabastian isn’t really that good. On the other hand, Real Madrid’s record against Celta is really good.