Almeria : Real Madrid defeated newly promoted Almeria 2-1 in their debut La Liga game this season. Coach Carlo Ancelotti followed his word and made five alterations to the starting lineup that won the UEFA Super Cup and the Champions League, giving debuts to newly acquired players Aurelien Tchouameni and Antonio Rudiger.
But when Almeria’s striker Largie Ramazani scored in the sixth minute after slipping past Rudiger, it appeared like the risk had backfired. Vinicius Jr. had numerous opportunities to equalise, but Fernando Martinez saved at least three of the Brazilian’s close range attempts.
Karim Benzema, who led LaLiga in goals scored last season, had a lacklustre day as Almeria’s five-man defence performed admirably.
Last year’s LaLiga top goalscorer Karim Benzema had a disappointing showing as Almeria’s five-man defence did a superb job in shackling him, showing real grit as they tried to defend their lead.
Real finished the first half with almost 70% of possession and 17 goals attempts against only a couple for the home team. Real had about 70% of the possession at the end of the first half and attempted 17 goals, compared to only a few for the home club.
After the break, Ancelotti replaced struggling young French midfielders Eduardo Camavinga and Tchouameni with veterans Luka Modric and Eden Hazard from the bench. This increased the pressure on Real.
FT #AlmeriaRealMadrid 1-2
🤍 @realmadriden come from behind to win, with goals from @Lucasvazquez91 and @David_Alaba securing victory.#KickOffLaLigaSantander | #LaLigaSantander pic.twitter.com/EuvMaBj1kx
— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) August 14, 2022
In the 61st minute, Lucas Vazquez scored the equaliser off a rebound following another solo effort by Vinicius. In the 75th minute, replacement David Alaba scored the game-winning free kick into the upper left corner.
“It was a complicated match, they explored very well the spaces that we left on the back of the defence,” Ancelotti told Movistar Plus. “Tchouameni and Camavinga didn’t show their true quality and potential but sometimes Real Madrid shirt is a heavy burden for the young players. “I have full confidence that they will progress because they are high level players.”
