Real Madrid got their first win of the LALIGA season after defeating Real Valladolid 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday evening.
LALIGA
Result: Real Madrid 3-0 Valladolid
Date: 25 August 2024
Venue: Santiago Bernabeu
Carlo Ancelotti made two changes from last week's draw against Mallorca as Arda Guler came in for the injured Jude Bellingham, while Fran Gracia replaced the suspended Ferland Mendy.
Kylian Mbappe had the game's first chance of the half after latching onto Antonio Rudiger's long-ball, but the Frenchman's first-time volley forced goalkeeper Karl Hein into a fine save.
Vinicius was looking lively at times in the first half down the flank, especially considering had four goals in six games against Valladolid coming into this contest.
Ancelotti's charges dominated possession for most of the opening 45 minutes but they were finding it tough to carve out any more clear-cut chances while Valladolid were unable to trouble Thibaut Courtois at the other end.
That all changed five minutes after the halftime break when Federico Valverde opened the scoring for Los Blancos with a free-kick from distance that took a slight deflection.
Ancelotti then opted to make a double change on 69 minutes as Rodrygo and Guler made way for Luka Modric and Brahim Diaz while the visitors introduced Mamadou Sylla and Raul Moro, hoping to get back on level terms.
The hosts should have doubled their lead in the 79th minute when Vinicius did well down the left flank before putting the ball on the platter for Mbappe, who was denied by Hein from point-blank range.
Los Blancos eventually made the game safe with two minutes to play as Diaz got his name on the score-sheet after pouncing on a long ball from Eder Militao before slotting past Hein to seal the win.
There was enough time for debutant Endrick to make his mark as he opened his account for the club in stoppage time with a powerful right-footed finish.
