La Liga 2024-25: Real Madrid Triumph Against Valladolid with Three Second-Half Goals

Real Madrid secured their first La Liga 2024-25 win of the season with three second-half goals against Real Valladolid. Fede Valverde, Brahim Diaz, and Endrick were the stars at the Santiago Bernabeu, ensuring a dominant finish for Los Blancos.

Real Madrid kicked off their La Liga 2024-25 campaign with a hard-fought victory over Real Valladolid at the Santiago Bernabeu. After a lackluster first half, Los Blancos found their rhythm in the second half to secure a 3-0 win, marking their first victory of the season. Goals from Fede Valverde, Brahim Diaz, and Endrick sealed the win and demonstrated the potential of Real Madrid’s attacking prowess as they aim for another successful season in Spain’s top division.

A Struggling First Half: Lack of Fluency for Los Blancos

Real Madrid vs Valladolid: Despite playing at home, Real Madrid started the game with little fluency. The first half saw the team struggle to break down a resolute Valladolid defense, managing only four shots, with just one on target. The expected goals (xG) figure for both teams combined was a meager 0.09, one of the lowest seen in La Liga since 2011. This lack of creativity and finishing raised concerns about Real Madrid’s sharpness early in the season.

The tactical approach from manager Carlo Ancelotti seemed to prioritize control of possession, but the final ball was missing. Valladolid, while offering little threat going forward, were able to frustrate the home side by keeping the game compact. The fans at the Bernabeu were left waiting for the spark that could ignite their team’s performance.

Fede Valverde Breaks the Deadlock

It wasn’t until the second half that Real Madrid began to resemble the dominant force they are known to be. Fede Valverde stepped up to the occasion just five minutes after the restart. The Uruguayan midfielder, known for his powerful strikes, delivered a superb free-kick from 25 yards out that found the back of the net, finally giving Madrid the breakthrough they desperately needed.

Valverde’s goal set the tone for the rest of the half, with Real Madrid playing with more confidence and intensity. The teenager Arda Güler, making an impact after coming off the bench, had two efforts blocked as Madrid looked to add to their tally and put the game beyond doubt.

Brahim Diaz and Endrick Seal the Victory

As the game progressed, Real Madrid continued to dominate possession but struggled to find the second goal that would give them breathing room. It wasn’t until the 88th minute that substitute Brahim Diaz latched onto a long pass from Eder Militao. Diaz controlled the ball beautifully before slotting it past Valladolid’s goalkeeper Karl Hein, doubling Real Madrid’s lead and all but sealing the win.

With the match winding down, there was still time for another moment of brilliance. Brazilian wonderkid Endrick, who had been a hot topic ever since his move to Madrid, scored his first goal for the club in injury time. Diaz, turning provider this time, found Endrick in the box, and the young forward made no mistake in firing home Madrid’s third goal. It was a perfect finish to a second half that showcased the potential of Real Madrid’s next generation of stars.

A Positive Start to La Liga 2024-25 Season Despite Early Struggles

Although Real Madrid struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, their second-half performance was a testament to their quality and depth. The win ensures that Los Blancos have started their La Liga campaign on a positive note, quickly bouncing back from their opening day draw. Ancelotti will be pleased with the team’s ability to adapt and find goals from different sources, especially with new players like Brahim Diaz and Endrick stepping up in crucial moments.

With this win, Real Madrid has set the foundation for a promising season. The key moving forward will be consistency and maintaining the attacking fluency they displayed in the latter stages of the game. As the season progresses, fans will be eager to see how the team evolves, especially with young talents like Endrick and Güler making their mark on the squad.