Real Madrid secured a resounding 3-0 victory against Valladolid in their first home game of the 2024/25 La Liga season at Santiago Bernabéu. Goals from Valverde, Brahim, and debutant Endrick led Los Blancos to a dominant win.
Introduction:
Real Madrid celebrated at the return to the Santiago Bernabéu with the rather convincing 3-0 victory against Real Valladolid on the second matchday action of La Liga 2024/25. Away from their hallowed stadium for three months, the team delivered the optimum performance in what was a statement to stamp their authority once more on the domestic league. Federico Valverde, Brahim Díaz, and debutant Endrick scored the goals for Los Blancos to get the three important points and sending out a strong signal across the other teams.
First Half: Madrid in Control but No Breakthrough
Real Madrid seemed to take immediate control from the start of the match, showing superiority in possession and tactical discipline. The initiations in the early minutes saw the home side high on press and the first legitimate chance by the ninth minute. It was Kylian Mbappé who fashioned the first genuine chance on his long-awaited debut at the Bernabéu.
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The French superstar collected a long ball from Antonio Rüdiger and hit his low drive well, but it was superbly stopped by Valladolid’s Karl Hein. They responded with an opportunity of their own in the 16th minute, as Darwin Machís put a wayward shot into the Madrid defense. The visitors, at their best, found holding onto possession very difficult and were often pinned back by the relentless Madrid press. Aurelien Tchouameni took a shot from distance in the 23rd minute in their bid to break the deadlock, with Hein being equal to the task again.
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Second Half: Valverde Breaks the Deadlock
The second half, though, was completely a different story, as Real Madrid came out with optimism and purpose. Just five minutes into the second period, the deadlock was finally broken. It was a well-worked set piece as Valverde, adjudged to have hit a rocket from way outside the box, put the ball past the reach of Jurić, who got a slight touch on it, making it impossible for Hein to get to it as it nestled in the back of the net.
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A little later, Valladolid responded themselves. They could have drawn even closer twice, but for the figure of Thibaut Courtois. First, he deflected a dangerous cross from Sergio Meseguer, then looked up to see how an attempt from Raúl Moro flew over the crossbar.
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Brahim and Endrick Debut: Brahim and Endrick set off the triumph
Real Madrid further surged for a second goal as Arda Güler and Vinícius Jr. played well down the flanks. The game started to liven up, and the visiting attack turned out to be sharper and sharper.
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In the 88th minute, Brahim Díaz doubled Madrid’s lead with a brilliant piece of individual skill. The forward from Málaga took a long pass from Éder Militão, leaving Cömert chasing in front of a yard chase before lifting the ball neatly over the rushing Hein to make it 2-0.
Then it was time for Carlo Ancelotti to bring Endrick into action and introduce him for the first time to the fans in the Bernabéu. The young 17-year-old Brazilian managed to score a goal in stoppage time at the end of his debut. After receiving the ball in the box, Endrick steadied himself for a moment and took a touch before sending a right-footed shot into the bottom corner to make it 3-0 to the home team.
Conclusion: A Perfect Start at the Bernabéu
The big and commanding performance against Valladolid was what Real Madrid needed to get not only the three good points but also to very much set the tone for the campaign. This team seems to be very well-suited to the title challenge, with a really hard defense, a dynamic midfield, and a killer attack. The match was also a view of the future, with promising debuts being made by Mbappé and Endrick—both being very key to Madrid’s quest for glory this season.
This undoubtedly boosted Ancelotti’s men and filled with confidence as they push on in La Liga, with Bernabéu once again serving as the fortress for the Blancos.