An energized Real Madrid cruised to an impressive 2-1 victory over Real Betis on Saturday afternoon.
Goals from Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo were enough to see the away side, who threatened to spoil the party when former Real man Sergio Canales fired home midway through the first half.
Nabil Fekar had an incredible penalty shoot-out that went over five minutes before Vinicius scored.
A long ball over the top from David Alba sent Vinicius on goal and the Brazilian fired his volley over Rui Silva and into the back of the net.
The long-awaited return of football to the Santiago Bernabeu, which currently has a capacity of around 68,000, appeared to inspire Real, who played with immense energy and appetite, pressing loudly and taking the game to the bats. were trying to leave.
Against the run of play, however, Canales caught out Real with a quick throw-in to score an equalizer through the legs of Thibaut Courtois.
Venecius then missed a glorious chance to retake the lead just seconds later. From six yards out, the Brazilian managed to hit his strike over the bar when it looked hard to miss the score.
Silva then pulled off an exceptional save to keep out Aurelian Chouini’s header, before Alaba fired wide from close range.
Ancelotti’s men pushed hard for the go-ahead goal before the break, some brilliant moves and neat passing leading to a couple of half-chances, but they just couldn’t go through.
The activity continued in the second half and Real should have taken the lead through Karim Benzema. Rodrigo’s drilled cross was brilliant and somehow the Frenchman failed to tap home from two yards. Remember this moment because you may never see it again.
For all their positivity, Real still struggled to find success and were a little lucky to still be level as Canales and Alex Moreno combined to pull off a fine save from Courtois.
Federico Valverde came on just after the hour mark, and the Uruguayan’s first touch was a cut-back to Rodrigo, who slotted the ball into the bottom corner to restore Real’s lead.
The strike proved to be a real dagger to Betis’ hearts as all excitement from the away side seemed to die out, although Guido Rodriguez made a fine save from Courtois.
Ultimately, it turned out to be a comfortable victory for Real, which was good value for the three points.
Tchouameni was the best / Quality Sport Images / Getty Images
GK: Thibaut Courtois – 5/10 – Not particularly busy but another goal that went through his legs. The meme exists for a reason.
RB: Dani Carvajal – 4/10 – Looked quite tired from the first minute and got caught out in the draw.
CB: Eder Militao – 7/10 – Vinicius has had some great balls forward to connect with and is usually beautifully made at the back.
CB: David Alaba – 8/10 – Another solid defensive display and some brilliant passes going forward. Couldn’t ask for more.
LB: Ferland Mendy – 5/10 – Real’s weak link is certainly at full-back. Mindy had a solid game but failed to really add anything on either end. On average, they eat more.
MD: Aurelien Tchouameni – 8/10 – Who is Casemiro? A sensational performance from Tchouameni. Destructive in defense and involved in attack. It is very unfortunate not to score.
CM: Eduardo Camavanga – 6/10 – Not poor by any means but definitely outclassed by Chowmani.
CM: Luka Modric – 7/10 – Some really great touches and obviously surrounded by a lot of ready runners.
RW: Rodrygo – 7/10 – A few uncomfortable moments but a good goal made the difference. Stripped of Benzema’s assist.
ST: Karim Benzema – 5/10 – weird Some great touches but nowhere near his best here, summed up by his spectacular miss from two yards out.
LW: Vinicius Junior – 7/10 – Benzema is really happy to step in and step up centrally when he needs help. A beautiful goal.
SUB: Federico Valverde (63′ for Camavanga) – 7/10 – His first touch was an assist for Rodrigo.
SUB: Dani Ceballos (80′ for Rodrygo) – N/A
SUB: Toni Kroos (80′ for Modric) – N/A
SUB: Antonio Rudiger (90′ for Carvajal) – N/A
Manager: Carlo Ancelotti – 8/10 – Set to him with real energy and Valverde’s introduction of him made an immediate impact.
Player of the Match – Orléan Chomeini.