LaLiga defending champions Real Madrid made an early-season scare after they beat Almería 2-1 in the new season opener on Sunday (15 August) after going 1-0 down from the sixth minute of the match. It is fair to say that the newly promoted side showed full ambition and gave the Champions of Europe a run for those 3 points. (‘Kian Mbappe’s arrogance will cost PSG Champions League again,’ fans angry at striker for this – watch)
Coach Carlo Ancelotti kept his word and made five changes in the opening 11 that won both the Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup, including handing debuts to new signings Antonio Rudiger and Aurelian Tchoumeni. But the gamble backfired when striker Largi Ramzani opened the scoring for Almeria in the sixth minute, leaving Rudiger behind. (Ballon d’Or 2022 winners: Karim Benzema to Robert Lewandowski, top contenders – in pics)
Vinicius Jr. had several chances to equalize, but goalkeeper Fernando Martínez made at least three crucial stops from a close strike by Brazil. (‘Now he’s with Henry, Ronaldo…?’, Man City coach Pep Guardiola on criticism of Erling Haaland)
Last year’s LaLiga top goalkeeper Karim Benzema had a disappointing performance as Almería’s five-man defense did a great job in holding him in, showing genuine patience as he tried to defend his lead.
@David_Alaba: “After the game I’m very happy to win this game. That’s the only important thing, so here we are, to be successful at the end of the day. I felt good before the free-kick and the team gave it. Let me take it.” of faith.”#AlmeriaRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/BFA6TDHNg7— Real Madrid CF (@realmadriden) 14 August 2022
Real finished the first half with almost 70% possession and scored 17 goals for the home team against just a couple.
Real pressed on after the break when Ancelotti sent experienced Luka Modric and Eden Hazard off the bench in place of young French midfielders Eduardo Camavinga and Tchoumeni, who struggled to make an impact.
Lucas Vazquez equalized from a rebound after another individual effort from Vinicius in the 61st minute, and substitute David Alaba scored the winner in the top left corner in the 75th minute with a free kick.
“It was a complicated match, they explored very well the spaces we had left behind on defense,” Ancelotti told Movistar Plus.
“Chouaumeni and Camavinga didn’t show their real quality and potential, but sometimes Real Madrid shirts are a heavy burden for young players. I am sure they will progress because they are high-level players.” (with Reuters input)