Spanish Giants Real Madrid Begin Title Defense With Comeback Win Over Almeria

Spanish Giants Real Madrid Begin Title Defense With Comeback Win Over Almeria

Isaac Darko
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:09 PM
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Real Madrid came from a goal down to secure a 2-1 victory over newly-promoted Almeria on the opening day.

David Alaba was the hero, scoring the clincher just seconds after coming off the bench.

Carlo Ancelotti's side trailed to an early goal by Largie Ramazani away against their newly-promoted opponents, but Lucas Vazquez equalised just after the hour mark.

David Alaba, Real Madrid, Almeria
David Alaba celebrates after scoring the winner against Almeria. Photo by David S. Bustamante
Source: Twitter

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The winner arrived with 15 minutes remaining at Almeria's Power Horse Stadium, as Alaba strode onto the pitch and curled a free-kick in off the upright after Luka Modric had been fouled just outside the box.

Real were made to work hard for the points against an Almeria side who won last season's second-tier title to return to La Liga after a seven-year absence.

When Modric was fouled just outside the box by Rodrigo Ely, Austrian defender Alaba was waiting on the sideline for the chance to come on.

The break in play allowed him to replace Ferland Mendy, and he came straight on to take the free-kick and score in stunning fashion to complete the latest comeback from Ancelotti's team.

PSG Star Lionel Messi backs Karim Benzema to win Ballon d'Or

Sports Brief earlier reported that Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi has said that Karim Benzema deserves to win the Ballon d'Or this year.

Benzema scored a total of 44 goals for Real Madrid, emerging as the top scorer for Los Blancos in both the UEFA Champions League and the Spanish La Liga.

His most memorable performances came in the Champions League when he scored back-to-back hat tricks against Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals and round of 16, respectively.

Real Madrid to Open 2022/23 La Liga Account Without Two Key Players

Spanish champions Real Madrid have announced a 23-man squad for their La Liga opener against newly-promoted side Almeria.

The Los Merengues enjoyed a great success last season, winning both the UEFA Champions League and Spanish top flight.

Carlo Ancelotti and his men travel to the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos on Sunday with confidence of replicating another successful season.

Authors
Isaac Darko photo
Isaac Darko
Isaac Darko is a La Liga, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga editor at Sports Brief with a Degree in Journalism and Communications from Ghana Institute of Journalism (2010)
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