Real Madrid's LaLiga campaign could barely have got off to a stronger start. Our team picked up their second win on the bounce in Almería to go top of the table pending other results. It was not a straightforward three points at the Power Horse Stadium though, as the team were forced to come from behind following Arribas' opener, and did so thanks to Bellingham's brace and a Vini Jr. strike. It was an uphill battle from the off, as an Almería counter-attack just three minutes in ended with Arribas' close-range header finding the back of the net. Tchouameni could have levelled from Kroos' corner on 7’, but his powerful header ended up in Maximiano's gloves. That was a sign of things to come, and with 19 minutes on the clock, Valverde again headed towards goal and in the ensuing scramble, Bellingham's effort found the inside of the post before creeping over the line.
Kroos sees his goal ruled out
Ancelotti's team were enjoying their best spell of the game now and could have taken the lead with half-an-hour played when Rodrygo's shot across goal skimmed just past the post. Almería responded five minutes later with a fierce Baba strike from the edge of the box, which Lunin got across spectacularly to keep out. With half-time approaching, Rodrygo enjoyed another fine chance but his shot on the turn was well parried by Maximiano. That was not the last action of the first half though, and deep into injury time, Kroos had the ball in the back of the net, only to see it ruled out for a foul by Carvajal in the build-up, after Sánchez Martínez was alerted by the VAR.
Video.1-3: Bellingham brace seals three points in Almería
The second half got underway at break-neck pace but with no real chances of note until the 60th minute. That's when Kroos looked up, caught sight of Bellingham's charge into the box and placed the ball beautifully in behind the visiting defence for the Englishman to beat Maximiano with a perfectly timed header. The British midfielder's brace had made it 1-2 and saw him become the league's top scorer with three to his name already. Our team could have added to their lead eight minutes later when Carvajal and Rodrygo linked up inside the box, but the Brazilian's effort under pressure flew narrowly wide of the target.
Vini Jr. makes sure of the points
The minutes ticked by, until the game was put to bed with 73 on the clock. Bellingham found Vini Jr. who brought the ball down with his back to goal, spun expertly, and unleashed a drive from the edge of the box which took a nick off Chumi and beat Maximiano. One minute later, our team could have made it four with a swift counter that found Vini Jr., who shot high over the bar. From then on until the end, Ancelotti's team managed their advantage well to pick up their second LaLiga win, both on the road. They could have even got another in the 89th minute, as Carvajal's effort was kept out by the visiting goalkeeper, before Fran García went close in injury time.
