Real Madrid denied the three points against a valiant Real Valladolid
By Ben Sundock
A dazzling Karim Benzema goal in the 82nd minute was not enough for Real Madrid in its La Liga home opener on Saturday. Real Valladolid managed to battle back and tie the match late on to hold Los Blancos to a 1-1 draw.
This second match of the league season will be remembered for Real Madrid’s inability to hit the target. Zinedine Zidane’s side looked confident moving forward and dominated possession throughout the contest with 66 percent of the ball, but one goal simply was not enough today.
Zizou elected to start James Rodriguez, Isco, and Gareth Bale which surprised many Real Madrid fans after a huge 3-1 win over Celta Vigo a week ago.
The hosts racked up 22 total shots but hit the target just four times. James looked very comfortable making his first appearance for Madrid since May 2017 as he passed the ball well and got himself into the right positions to score, but could not hit the target on four attempts.
It was an exciting match to watch despite both goals coming in the final 10 minutes as Real Madrid passed and moved fluidly.
Benzema looked better in the second half than in the first and managed to score The Whites lone goal just after appearing to dislocate his toe while attempting to head a cross.
His goal was nicely set up by center back Raphael Varane and the French striker made no mistake settling the pass and crushing it into the bottom corner past the goalkeeper.
⚪️ Karim Benzema turns and fires Real Madrid into a late lead over Real Valladolid. #RealMadridRealValladolid https://t.co/u8BkN9En4a
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) August 24, 2019
The goal is the forward’s 150th in his illustrious La Liga career and looked to be enough to give Zidane a perfect start to the season. However, Valladolid forward Sergi Guardiola managed to sneak in behind the defense and beat Thibaut Courtois in the 88th minute to tie the match.
Next. Real Madrid: Eden Hazard won’t return before early September. dark
Dani Carvajal, who struggled for much of the match, was caught well out of position and Varane was unable to catch up to the play and it was a great goal from the striker. Fans should be a bit disappointed with the draw, but there are a lot of positives to take away.
The passing and possession was outstanding, there was just something missing in the final third.
With a week to prepare for Villarreal, fans should not be worried about the way this team has played thus far. That being said, the results do need to be more tidy.