Real Madrid won disappointing results after being held to Real Valladolid 1-1 draw in the second week of the Spanish League at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Saturday (8/24).
Madrid has not reinforced their brand-new star Eden Hazard in this match because it has not recovered from injury. Instead, Zinedine Zidane played James Rodriguez who appeared for the first time this season after being loaned out to Bayern Munich last season.
Playing at home, Madrid look free to launch an attack at the Valladolid defense. Gareth Bale movement on the right side of the attack was quite difficult for the visitors.
Even in the 12th minute Bale got his first chance in this match. But Bale’s kick from inside the penalty box was still sideways on the side of the Valladolid goal.
Midway through the first half, Los Merengues got another chance. This time Karim Benzema managed to reach Dani Carvajal’s pass but the French striker’s header was still too weak.
Valladolid, which survives more occasionally, launches attacks. But until the end of the first half no goals could be created by both teams.
Pressure after pressure exerted by Madrid just bear fruit in the second half. After opportunities are often wasted, Benzema can put his name on the scoreboard in the 82nd minute. Bait from Raphael Varane right leads to Benzema. He then released the kick that led to the corner of the goal and vibrated the Valladolid goal.
When the Madrid players thought they would win this match, Valladolid made a surprise by setting an equalizing goal. Oscar Plano’s breakthrough bait was not wasted by Sergio Guardiola to make the score 1-1 in the 88th minute.
Before the goal came, Madrid’s Serbian striker Luka Jovic almost broke the deadlock when his header just hit the crossbar a minute after he came on in the 68th minute replacing Isco Alarcon.
Madrid also failed to pick goals because Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez missed opportunities in the early minutes of the match.
The score does not change until the match is over. One additional point makes Madrid only ranked second in the standings while Valladolid is in third position with four points.
The composition of players
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Thibaut Courtois; Dani Carvajal, Raphael Varane, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo; Isco, Casemiro, Toni Kroos; Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, James Rodriguez.
Real Valladolid (4-4-2): Jordi Masip; Javi Moyano, Kiko Olivas, Mohammed Salisu, Nacho Martinez; Pedro Porro, Fede San Emeterio, Michel, Oscar Plano; Enes Unal, Sergi Guardiola
