Newly promoted Almeria make reigning champions Real Madrid sweat at the start of LaLiga
.jpg)
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 15.08.22. | 00:57
The Royals are defending champions and the Champions League winner, but it didn't seem to impress stubborn underdogs. However, they eventually lost to Madrid (2-1)
That's why we adore football! Because there are times when millions accompanied with all the trophies you can think of won't guarantee you a victory against some low-key underdogs. Just ask Real Madrid and their tonight's experience...
The current Spanish and European champions managed to win in their opening game of the season at Almeria, 2-1, following a second-half comeback. However, the newly promoted LaLiga side, which returned to the Spanish top-flight after seven-year-long hiatus - fought bravely against the mighty giants and all odds. And that sort of approach almost paid off for them.
Largie Ramazani's celebration after putting Almeria 1-0 up against Real Madrid 🙃 pic.twitter.com/9bPMkyXpob
— GOAL (@goal) August 14, 2022
The Royals attacked heavily and massively in the first half, but finding the back of the net proved to be a much bigger challenge for Benzema and co than they expected before the kick-off.
Amid the series of Royals' chances and dominance, the hosts struck and did it superbly. A simple counter-attack left Rudiger clueless in the back line as Ramazani nailed it underneath Courtois for a shocking lead.
1 - Largie Ramazani's 5:50 goal 🇧🇪 for @U_D_Almeria is the quickest goal that have Real Madrid conceded in a @LaLigaEN MD 1 since Sergio Agüero's goal 🇦🇷 for Atlético de Madrid in August 2007 (00:58). Surprise. pic.twitter.com/4er8H77dHj
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) August 14, 2022
Ancelotti's boys were stunned for a moment but then reacted promptly in an attempt to direct a quick comeback. Vinicius Jr. and Benzema had more than half a dozen solid opportunities. However, Almeria's keeper was remarkable, making it difficult for the favourites to regain control of the match.
Instead, Almeria even had some decent opportunities through Nigerian striker Sadiq, who was unlucky in the moments when he could have doubled the lead.
Almeria 1-2 Real Madrid
— Wilnyaf Football Center (@WilnyafCenter) August 14, 2022
Alabaâš½ what a goal
Watch the game live from the link in our pinned tweet
pic.twitter.com/5EAdqHKDYs
On the other end, Lucas Vasquez provided the visitors with an equaliser as the pressure on the hosts kept rising. The crucial moment of the match happened with 15 minutes left on the clock. Austrian star Alaba came in for Mendy, and just a couple of seconds later, he was given a chance to show his free-kick skills after Modric was taken down near the edge of the box. Alaba fired perfectly and pushed his side to a hard-fought victory in the end.
LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 1
Friday
Osasuna - Sevilla 2-1 (1-1)
/Avila 9, Aimar 74 pen - Mir 11/
Saturday
Celta - Espanyol 2-2 (1-0)
/Aspas 45+2, Paciencia 63 - Exposito 72, Joselu 90+8/
Valladolid - Villareal 0-3 (0-0)
/Jackson 49, Baena 81, 90/
Barcelona - Rayo Vallecano 0-0
Sunday
Cadiz - Sociedad 0-1 (0-1)
/Kubo 24/
Valencia - Girona 1-0 (1-0)
/Soler 45+1 pen/
Almeria - Real Madrid 1-2 (1-0)
/Ramazani 6 - Vasquez 61, Alaba 75/
Monday
18.30: (1.65) Ath.Bilbao (3.60) Mallorca (6.75)
20.30: (4.70) Getafe (3.30) Atl.Madrid (1.95)
22.30: (1.48) Betis (4.40) Elche (8.00)
***odds are subject to change
.jpg)
