Super-sub Alaba helps Real Madrid overcome Almeria with second-half comeback
Coming into the game on the back of their UEFA Super Cup victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, Real Madrid were humbled early on by the newly-promoted side.
After being played in behind the Madrid defence by a superb Inigo Eguaras ball over the top, Largie Ramazani calmly slotted the ball past Thibaut Courtois to give the hosts an unlikely lead within 10 minutes.
As they looked to defend their slender advantage, Almeria battened down the hatches until the half-time whistle, and while Lucas Vazquez looked to have stabbed home an equaliser shortly before the break, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Los Blancos upped their tempo in the second half and continued to create numerous chances. Finally, on the hour mark, they found a way through the stubborn Almeria rearguard and goalkeeper Fernando Martinez, who had been a brick wall all night.
After a mazy Vinicius Junior run, a loose ball was pounced upon by Vasquez, whose clinical finish undid the hosts’ hard work in the previous 60 minutes.
The equaliser only spurred on the club from the capital, and 15 minutes later they pulled ahead. Alaba hammered in a free kick off the post from just outside the area, giving the visitors a goal they ultimately deserved.
It was an encouraging performance from Rubi’s side, despite the outcome - such a narrow margin of defeat against Los Blancos is no mean feat. However, the result stretches Almeria’s losing run in LaLiga to six games, dating back to 2014.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
