4-2: Loss to clinical Real Madrid CF despite UD Almeria’s battling efforts
The Rojiblancos did not give up throughout the 90 minutes despite trailing 3-1 at half-time. Lázaro Vinicius and Robertone pulled two goals back to reduce the deficit
UD Almería were defeated at the Santiago Bernabéu by a clinical Real Madrid CF that opened the scoring inside 5 minutes. Karim Benzema scored the opener of his first-half hat-trick. Lázaro's goal triggered a livelier second period for the Indálicos. However, Rodrygo fired home the fourth goal for the Merengues. The Rojiblancos plucked up courage and did not give up at any time. After 61 minutes, Robertone found the back of the net in a bid to bring hope to his side, cheered on by more than 500 UD Almeria travelling supporters (4-2)
Only two players from the previous line-up who beat Getafe CF last Wednesday were named in the teamsheet again: Fernando between the sticks, Akieme, who returned to the XI after his shaking off an injury, Chumi, Ely and Mendes formed a defence of four. De la Hoz, Samú Costa and Portillo protected the midfield while Ramazani, Arnau Puigmal and Lázaro Vinicius teamed high up the pitch.
Real Madrid CF got off to the perfect start while UD Almeria were slow out of the traps. Karim Benzema grabbed the opening goal within 5 minutes thanks to a well-timed assist from Vinicius on the right wing. Following this goal, the Blancos continued creating danger and in the 17th minute, Benzema produced that golden touch that means so much to double their lead (2-0). The Lyon native finished off a exquisite delivery from Rodrigo, who knocked it around an opponent at the byline.
Ramazani was close to putting the ball past the keeper. The Belgian powered a header, but his effort went slightly wide of Courtois's goal. Ten minutes later, the Rojiblancos spurned two more opportunities. In the 37th minute, Portillo tried his best luck from the edge of the box with a shot that skimmed the crossbar and in the subsequent play, keeper Courtois clawed away Lázaro Vinicius’s header to avert danger. When the Rojiblancos were performing with more confidence, Real Madrid's CF third arrived as Benzema converted from 12 yards to seal his hat-trick (3-0).
That setback did not put the Indálicos down and a few minutes later, in added time, UD Almería slammed in the goal they had been looking for impatiently throughout the first half. Akieme played a pinpoint pass that Ramazani picked up, then the Belgian fed the ball to Lázaro and the Brazilian pulled one back to make it 3-1.
The second half was really similar to the opening forty-five minutes. Real Madrid CF extended their lead as soon as they walked out of the tunnel thanks to Rodrygo, who slotted home the fourth (4-1). UD Almeria plucked up courage and kept fighting and pressing on against the clinical hosts when suddenly, Portillo pounced on a loose pass to regain control of the ball, and Robertone nodded down the Malagueño's cross 61 minutes (4-2).
The final whistle was blown with Real Madrid CF leaving UD Almeria empty-handed at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium despite the Rojiblancos’ battling effort.
Match information:
Real Madrid CF: Courtois; Lucas Vázquez, Militao, Rudiger, Camavinga; Ceballos, Tchouaméni, Kroos (Nacho. 72’); Rodrygo (Asensio. 72’), Benzema and Vinícius (Carvajal. 82’).
UD Almería: Fernando; Mendes, Chumi, Ely, Akieme (Centelles. 75’); De la Hoz (Eguaras. 56’); Puigmal (Robertone. 56’), Portillo, Samú (Melero. 75’), Ramazani (Luis Suárez. 64’); and Lazaro Vinicius.
Goals: 1-0. Benzema. 5’. 2-0 Benzema. 16’. 3-0. Benzema (pen). 43’. 3-1 Lazaro Vinicius. 45’. 4-1 Rodrygo. 45+ 1. 4-2: Robertone. 61’
Referee: Cuadra Fernandez. Vinícius and Camavinga as well as visitors Lázaro Vinicius and Mendes were yellow carded.
Observations: Matchday 32. Primera Division. LaLiga Santander fixture played at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. UD Almería were supported by more than 500 fans in the stands.