45
22:52
Mid-term conclusion:
A surprise is brewing in the Andalusian port railway as UD Almería are a little lucky 1-0 up against Real Madrid at half-time! The home side were rewarded for a courageous early phase with Largie Ramazani’s opener. Since then, the promoted team has mostly been busy in their own defense and can thank goalkeeper Fernando that the first goal is still a long time coming. The defending champions lack both speed and creativity in the offensive zone, so Carlo Ancelotti has to come up with something.
45
10:47 p.m
The game now takes place almost exclusively on the sixteen of the home side. Real apparently wants to get on the scoreboard before the break.
45
22:46
Official stoppage time (minutes): 4
44
10:45 p.m
The Madrilenians sniff the balance! A perfect cross from Toni Kroos was achieved by Lucas Vázquez at the far post, who hit the ball directly but was just offside.
41
22:42
Umar Sadiq (UD Almería) is shown a yellow card.
Umar Sadiq then sends a few warm words to Eduardo Camavinga and also sees the yellow box.
41
22:42
Yellow card for Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid)
Eduardo Camavinga gets his first booking of the game for a tactical foul on Umar Sadiq.
40
22:42
The pressure from Carlo Ancelotti’s team is currently increasing again! Following a corner by Toni Kroos, Antonio Rüdiger heads in. Fernando reacted brilliantly and defused the chance despite the short distance.
38
10:38 p.m
In a slightly offside position, Vinícius Júnior runs towards Fernando and fails in his attempt from a tight angle from the left.
35
22:36
The Madrilenians are patiently looking for a suitable gap before Antonio Rüdiger unpacks the long shot to the top. Karim Benzema is just one step away from a possible equalizer in the six-yard box.
32
22:32
It was still very hot in the Andalusian port city at the late kick-off time, so referee Juan Martínez Munuera asked for a short break for a drink.
29
10:30 p.m
There’s another sign of life from Real! Toni Kroos sensitively lifts the ball from the left half-field in the direction of Karim Benzema, who heads straight into the arms of Almería goalkeeper Fernando from about five meters.
27
22:28
In the meantime, the Andalusians have freed themselves from the temporary grip of the guests. It will certainly not be a sure-fire success for the defending champion at the start of the season.
25
22:26
Almería provides relief and puts Real under pressure from Thibaut Courtois in the penalty area – there is rightly applause from the scene from their own supporters.
22
22:23
Again and again the ball runs to the left of Vinícius Júnior in the Madrilenians. The nimble Brazilian is apparently supposed to disrupt the compact defense of the home side with his dreaded dribbles.
20
22:21
The climber cannot clear a corner kick from Toni Kroos in the six-yard box. Karim Benzema switches immediately, but shoots the ball from close range to Srđan Babić’s skull.
18
22:18
The encounter is currently interrupted because Umar Sadiq needs treatment. But the host striker will probably be able to continue straight away.
15
22:16
Suddenly, Umar Sadiq has a clear shot at the sixteen limit and thunders the ball from a half-right position just over the crossbar. Although the royals are visually superior, Almería is by no means hiding here.
13.
10:15 p.m
Madrid seem to have digested the shock fairly quickly and have taken control of the action on the pitch.
10
22:12
Carlo Ancelotti’s side respond with furious attacks after falling behind early on! Vinícius Júnior rushes down the left wing and plays the ball inside to Karim Benzema. At the last moment, Kaiky prevents the Frenchman from completing the game in a controlled manner.
7.
22:07
Tooor for UD Almería, 1-0 through Largie Ramazani
Almería gets off to a dream start! A long punch from Eguaras catches Antonio Rüdiger flat-footed in his starting XI debut. While the German international speculates on an offside position, Largie Ramazani is suddenly up and away. From around 16 meters, the 21-year-old places the ball in the lower left corner and gives Thibaut Courtois no chance.
6.
22:07
Now Los Blancos are also registering in the encounter! A long-range shot by Lucas Vázquez rolls around three meters wide of the left post.
4.
22:05
Offensive start of the underdog! This time Chumi drives the ball forward down the left flank, but crosses the ball from half-court directly into the arms of Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
2.
22:03
The home side dare a first tentative advance over the left wing. Ultimately, however, Umar Sadiq is well offside.
1.
22:00
It starts at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos – referee Juan Martínez Munuera whistles the game!
21:44
Carlo Ancelotti starts the rotation machine on matchday 1 and changes a few positions compared to the Supercup. Antonio Rüdiger can play in defense from the start. In addition to Toni Kroos, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga start in the royal control center today, instead Luka Modrić and Casemiro are only sitting on the bench for the time being.
21:29
For the Madrilenians, the appearance in Andalusia should be a gallop into another successful year. “We have a good feeling and all the excitement in the world to start this season. For us it’s about defending the title, every game will be difficult starting tomorrow,” Ancelotti announced at the press conference. Alongside FC Barcelona and city rivals Atletico Madrid, the royals are again among the favorites for the championship.
21:16
For the first time since the 2014/15 season, Almería is returning to the Spanish top flight. “Face against teams like Real Madrid is always difficult. We dream of winning such games – even if it will be a painful fight. This idea serves as a motivation for my players because they were playing in the second division last season and would suddenly become famous,” said coach Rubi.
21:08
The 2-0 win in the UEFA Super Cup against Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday brought the Madrilenians their first trophy of the young season. Now the royals are also starting in the national championship and are aiming to defend their title there. The away game in Almería is the first hurdle for coach Carlo Ancelotti’s star ensemble. The promoted team faces a real Herculean task right at the start of the season.
21:00
Hello and welcome to match day 1 of the Spanish Primera División! Real Madrid would like to bag the first points against newly promoted UD Almería. Kick-off at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos is at 10pm.