Real Madrid welcomed Real Betis to the Spanish capital in their first match of the league season on Sunday.
Madrid started positively at the Bernabeu, but a strike from Jorge Molina sent Betis ahead after 15 minutes.
The home side did level 10 minutes later, however, when Karim Benzema burst into the box before sliding an effort into the bottom corner.
Carlo Ancelotti's side pushed for the winner in the latter stages and it eventually came courtesy of an Isco header five minutes from time.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Carlo Ancelotti takes charge of his first match as Real Madrid boss this evening as the capital outfit welcome Real Betis in their La Liga opener. It proved to be a disappointing league campaign for Madrid last season, but they will be confident of providing a better challenge to champions Barcelona this time around.
The likes of Asier Illarramendi and Isco have arrived at the Bernabeu, but the club are still waiting for the possible acquisition of Tottenham Hotspur’s Gareth Bale, for what is expected to be a world-record free. For now, the attention is all on this match – which ended in a 3-1 win for Madrid in the corresponding fixture last season.
For Betis, last season proved to be a successful campaign. They were battling for fourth for large parts of the campaign, but were eventually made to settle for seventh. They have lost a number of their first-team squad this summer, but Pepe Mel has been able to add in the correct areas, which should give them a strong chance of launching another Champions League assault. That assault starts this evening.
TEAMS:
MADRID: Lopez; Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; Isco, Modric, Khedira; Benzema, Ronaldo, Ozil
BETIS: Andersen; Chica, Perquis, Paulao, Nacho; Matilla, Nosa, Verdu, Juanfran; Cedrick, Molina
So there we have it. Daniel Carvajal comes in for his first start for Madrid, while Isco also makes his debut. Karim Benzema has been selected in attack, but Iker Casillas is on the bench. Betis, meanwhile, hand a debut to summer acquisition Verdu in the middle of midfield. Right, the away side get the action underway.
Well, it is a case of over to you Real Madrid with Barcelona just putting seven past Levante at the Camp Nou. It must be said that there is a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium this evening with Ancelotti taking charge of his first league game as Madrid boss. Can his side get off the mark with three points?
Interesting to see Carvajal selected at right-back this evening, while Isco is also named in the middle of midfield. Bright start from the home side with Benzema and Ronaldo seeing plenty of the ball. Madrid have the ball in the back of the net as Perquis can only turn past his own goalkeeper, but the offside flag had been raised.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for Betis to take the lead as Jorge Molina meets a cross from Nacho, but his header is pushed wide of the target by Lopez, who has been chosen ahead of Casillas this evening. Well, we could have had a couple of goals inside an eventful opening six minutes of football in the Spanish capital.
Not the best moment for Lopez as the Madrid goalkeeper fails to clear a deep cross from Nacho, but Benzema manages to thump clear at the back post. Betis won seven times away from home in the league last season, therefore they will feel that they can cause problems to Ancelotti's side. Non-stop action in the opening eight minutes of this La Liga contest. However, it is still goalless despite Pepe handing another half-chance to Molina inside the box.
Not too much from the home side in the last couple of moments with Betis full of energy in the middle of the park. You just get the feeling that Madrid need an early goal in order to settle everyone down inside the stadium. We have not seen too much from the likes of Isco and Ozil thus far, but I suspect I will be made to eat those words as the half advances.
Ronaldo wants a penalty as the ball appears to strike the arm of Chica, but the referee is not interested. Betis have a half-chance on the counter as Molina bursts beyond the Madrid defence before attempting to find the bottom corner, but Lopez is out to make a fine save. Chances galore in the Spanish capital.
Good possession for Madrid in the last couple of moments with Isco darting into the opposing box before finding Ronaldo, the Portuguese sets up Marcelo on the edge of the box, but Paulao comes across to clear the danger. Benzema threatens down the right moments later, but Nacho is across to calm proceedings.
Half-chance for Benzema this time as the French forward rises in the box before meeting a cross from Ronaldo, but he can only plant his header over the crossbar. Betis remain a threat on the counter with the pace and movement of Molina, but Madrid are just starting to dominate possession of the ball at the Bernabeu.
GOAL! Real Madrid 0-1 Real Betis (Molina)
Wow! Wonderful work from Cedric as the pacey forward bursts past Ramos before finding Molina, who simply cannot miss from close range. That is a real turn up for the books. The stadium has been silenced. Madrid trail in their opening match of the season.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for Betis to make it 2-0 as Cedric bursts down the left before finding Verdu inside the box, but somehow the midfielder can only plant his effort wide of the post. Good grief Cedric has been stunning in the opening 17 minutes.
Madrid attempt to force the issue down the other end as Ronaldo collects possession on the right before sliding a pass towards Benzema, but the Frenchman had moved into an offside position. You just wondered whether Betis would be more conservative away from home this season. Well, we have already had our answer.
Again Madrid have the ball in the back of the net as Chica turns past his own goalkeeper after good work from Isco, but the Spanish midfielder had moved into an offside position. That is twice that the home side have been denied by the flag. Betis' lead remains in tact with 21 minutes on the clock.
First opportunity for Ronaldo to strike a free kick from distance after Isco is felled by Nacho, but his effort is high and wide of the target, much to the frustration of the home supporters. You just get the feeling that if Betis can hold onto their lead until the interval, then they will have a real chance of taking something from this match.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Madrid to level the scores as Marcelo drives a low cross into the box, but somehow Benzema fails to make contact. Just the slightest of touches would have forced that into the back of the net. Betis are handing on here as Ronaldo leads another attack, testing Andersen from outside the box.
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-1 Real Betis (Benzema)
Benzema finally has his goal as the Frenchman drives into the penalty area before thumping his effort into the bottom corner. In truth, it had been coming. That has made everyone feel a little bit better about themselves. Ancelotti has even taken a seat.
Another half-chance for Benzema as the Frenchman collects a pass from Isco before thumping an effort towards goal, but it was always moving high and wide of the target. You just get the feeling that Betis need to settle in the next five or so minutes. Another Madrid goal at this stage would be a hammer blow to their chances.
Half-chance for Betis to force the issue in the Madrid box as Verdu delivers a cross towards Molina, but Pepe just manages to shut the door under pressure from Nacho. Just a reminder that Barcelona were winners earlier this evening, with Lionel Messi scoring twice in a 7-0 win over Levante. Madrid simply cannot afford to lose ground, even this early in the season.
Another half-chance for Molina as the Betis forward moves past Ramos before striking an effort towards goal, but Lopez manages to make the save. Isco is involved down the other end moments later, but the Spaniard, who arrived in the summer from Malaga, could not poke the ball through to Ronaldo under pressure from Nacho.
CROSSBAR! Another opportunity falls to Betis as Nosa meets a corner from Verdu, but his header thumps against the crossbar. Wonderful effort from the midfielder. You would have been forgiven for thinking that Madrid's goal would force Betis to retreat somewhat, but that has simply not been the case.
The away side have had six corners in the opening 38 minutes, while Madrid have had none. Surely that is the first time that has happened at the Bernabeu? Half-chance for Modric moments later as the Croatian strikes an effort from outside the box, but it is straight into the arms of Andersen, who has been largely untroubled since Madrid levelled.
Ronaldo attempts to move behind the Betis defence once more, but the Portuguese had once more moved into an offside position. In case you have just joined us, Madrid have had the ball in the back of the net three times this evening, but twice the flag was raised. Little under five minutes of the first period remaining.
Penalty shout for Betis as Carvajal appears to impede Cedric in the box, but the referee is not interested. I have certainly seen them given, which is the point Pepe Mel is making to the fourth official. Testing first half for the home side here as Betis continue to force the issue in the final third.
Madrid again have the ball in the back of the net as Benzema thumps home from close range, but the offside flag is raised once more. There is a sense of nervousness around the stadium at the moment as Molina tests Lopez from outside the box. Betis are ending the first period the stronger.
HALF-TIME: Real Madrid 1-1 Real Betis
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Betis holding Madrid to a 1-1 draw. Betis had the lead after 15 minutes when Molina converted from close range, but Benzema levelled 11 minutes later. On the balance of play, Betis deserve to be leading at this stage of the match.
STATISTICS: Madrid have had 60% of the possession in the first period, but they have had just four attempts to Betis' five. Meanwhile, the home side have hit the target just once, although they have had three goals chalked off for offside. Betis, like last season, have been devastating on the counter.
BENCH WATCH: Madrid have a host of attacking talent on the bench in the shape of Kaka, Alvaro Morata and Angel di Maria, while Betis have the likes of Alvaro Vadillo, Juan Carlos and Eder Vilarchao in reserve. I suspect that we will see changes as the second period gathers pace.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Sevilla as the home side welcome Atletico Madrid in arguably the game of the weekend. Be sure to remain with us for that. Right, the home side get the half underway in Madrid.
CROSSBAR! Madrid have started this half like a house on fire. Ronaldo so nearly has his first league goal of the season as he collects a pass from Isco before thumping an effort towards the top corner, but it rattles off the crossbar. So unlucky from the Portuguese skipper.
I suspect that there were some stern words said at the interval from Ancelotti with his team coming out the traps very quickly. Ronaldo again has a half-chance as he bursts into the box, but once more the offside flag is raised, much to the frustration of Ancelotti and a certain Zinedine Zidane on the sidelines.
Another nervy moment for Carvajal as the Madrid right-back is forced to turn behind for a corner after Verdu had whipped a dangerous cross into the box. Cedric is involved moments later as he drives past Ramos, but he loses his footing at the vital moment. High tempo opening seven minutes to the second period.
Modric becomes the latest player to enter the book for a late challenge on Nosa outside the box. However, the resulting free kick is wasted by Molina. Another opportunity for Benzema moments later after good work from Marcelo, but the Frenchman could only fire his effort high and wide of the crossbar.
More frustration for Ronaldo as the Portuguese attempts to find the run of Isco, but Nacho manages to clear at the vital moment. Betis once more threaten on the counter with the pace of Cedric, but this time the number 22 cannot find a green and white shirt. Little under 35 minutes of football remaining at the Bernabeu.
Madrid make their first change of the match as Casemiro enters the field in place of Khedira, who has been struggling with an injury in the second period. Still no changes from the away side, but I suspect that Pepe Mel could look to freshen it up as the second period continues to gather pace.
Marcelo takes matters into his own hands as he collects possession outside the box before striking an effort towards goal, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals this evening, but the game is there for either side to win. It would be nothing short of a disaster if Madrid were beaten here there is no question about that.
Another half-chance for the home side as Benzema meets a cross from Carvajal, but his header is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. Nervy moment for Andersen moments later as the Betis keeper flaps at a cross, but Ronaldo cannot divert his effort towards goal. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining.
Again it is stunning pace from Cedric as the Betis forward collects possession in the Madrid half before bursting beyond Ramos, but he just loses control at the vital moment. Madrid simply cannot afford to push too far forward due to the pace that Betis have on the counter. Change for Betis moments later as Cedric is replaced by Juan Carlos. That is a surprise?!
Good pressure from Madrid in the last couple of moments with Ronaldo and Benzema starting to pass and probe outside the box. It must be said that we have seen very little of Ozil this evening, which is surprising based on his form in pre-season. I suspect that Ancelotti could look to his bench in the next five or so minutes if the score remains the same.
CHANCE! Best chance of the second period for Madrid as Ozil finds Ronaldo inside the box, but his effort is straight at Andersen when he could and should have done better. Madrid just need a break here, but Betis are still dangerous on the counter. It is just so delicately poised in the Spanish capital.
Madrid do indeed look to their bench once more as Di Maria enters the field in place of Ozil, who has struggled to influence proceedings in the second period. Another half-chance for Madrid as Ronaldo strikes a free kick from outside the box, but Andersen pushes his attempt wide of the post.
Betis also look to their bench as Alvaro Vadillo enters the field in place of Juanfran, whose legs have started to tire in the last 10 minutes or so. A free header arrives for Nose moments later, but the Betis midfielder can only fire his effort high and wide of the crossbar. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining.
Again it is sloppy from the away side as Nacho fells Benzema outside the penalty area. The resulting free kick is taken by Ronaldo, but the same outcome arrives as the Portuguese strikes his effort just over the crossbar. He is getting closer, but not close enough for Madrid with 76 minutes on the clock.
Can Madrid score? They have to score. It is the first game of the season, but they cannot afford to hand the incentive to Barcelona, not this early. Another half-chance as Di Maria strikes an effort from distance, but Andersen is across to make the save. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining in Madrid.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Di Maria to move Madrid into the lead as Ronaldo finds the Argentine in the box, but the winger can only fire his effort into the side netting. That was the chance. It is all one-way traffic at the moment as Betis make another change with Verdu exiting the field for Braian Rodriguez, who arrived at the club this summer.
Ronaldo tries the spectacular from close range, but his volley just moves over the crossbar. It has not quite happened for the Portuguese this evening. Madrid make their third and final change moments later as Alvaro Morata replaces Benzema, who despite his goal, has struggled with a number of chances this evening.
Another half-chance for Madrid as Marcelo clips a cross towards Morata, but it just would not fall for the Spaniard, who scored a couple of times for the first team last season. Betis attack down the other end with Vadillo moments later, but Pepe is across to make the clearance.
Ronaldo wants another free kick outside the box as the Portuguese falls under pressure from Nacho, but the referee is not interested. Morata has the ball in the back of the net moments later, but the Spaniard has been ruled offside. Little over two minutes for Madrid to create something here. Can Betis hold on?
GOAL! Real Madrid 2-1 Real Betis (Isco)
Madrid have their second! Wonderful work from Marcelo as the Brazilian finds Isco, who thunders his header into the back of the net. What a moment for the Spaniard on his league debut. Can Betis respond in the final few moments?
Betis just cannot keep the ball at the moment with Chica and Paulao desperately attempting to look long at each opportunity. However, it is coming straight back with Pepe and Ramos also clearing their lines. I should not think that there will be too much time added by the fourth official.
The referee indicates that we will play three additional minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. Not too much to report in terms of opportunities, but Madrid have possession. It is harsh on Betis, but it appears that Madrid will collect all three points.
FULL-TIME: Real Madrid 2-1 Real Betis
So there we have it. It wasn't pretty, but Madrid start their season with a 2-1 win over Betis. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Sevilla against Atletico. Until then!
