Real Madrid failed to win their opening match of the 2024-25 La Liga season last weekend, but seven days on, they’ve picked up their first three points. They did so in unconvincing fashion, securing a 2-0 victory over Real Valladolid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
It was a disappointing opening 45 minutes for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. They failed to create many clear-cut chances, with only one of note seeing Kylian Mbappe denied by Valladolid goalkeeper Karl Hein. La Pucela were defensively excellent in the Spanish capital, but five minutes into the second half, they were breached.
Like he did in the UEFA Super Cup final, Federico Valverde broke the deadlock for Real Madrid. He bulleted a free-kick into the far corner from 25 yards out, and a deflection on its way left Hein with no chance.
The shackles were broken for Real Madrid after that goal. They pushed for a second, but somehow, it did not come. Arda Guler was denied on multiple occasions, while Rodrygo also messed up a glorious opportunity. Despite this, it did come late on courtesy of substitute Brahim Diaz.
It got even better for Real Madrid in the dying stages as Endrick Felipe scored his first goal for the club – a momentous moment for the teenager, who was playing his first competitive minutes.
Welcome to Real Madrid, Endrick! 🙌
A debut goal for the young Brazilian star as he announces himself at the Bernabeu ⚪ pic.twitter.com/T4R6HdL8ru
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) August 25, 2024
GOOOOOOOOL DE ENDRICK EL PRIMER GOL CON EL REAL MADRID EN EL SANTIAGO BERNABÉU 😍😍😍😍😍 pic.twitter.com/lCZbWfXgMQ
— REAL MADRID FANS 🤍 (@AdriRM33) August 25, 2024
ENDRICK SCORES HIS FIRST GOAL FOR REAL MADRID 😱
WHAT A MOMENT ‼️ pic.twitter.com/AmPa9Urp2V
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 25, 2024
Real Madrid have now secure their first win of the league season. At this early stage, they are two points behind leaders Celta Vigo and Barcelona.