Los Blancos proved their early-season title credentials with a comfortable win over Celta Vigo away from home.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side led early courtesy of talisman Karim Benzema – the Frenchman scored his first of the domestic season from the spot in the 14th minute after the referee had spotted a handball inside the opposition box. A similar situation unfolded at the other end. Goncalo Paciencia’s header from a Hugo Mallo cross hit Eder Militao’s hand, and talisman Iago Aspas scored from the spot to bring the home side level in the 23rd minute.
Luka Modric restored Real Madrid’s lead just before the interval. The evergreen Croatian collected the ball outside the Celta box, dodged past defenders, and curled one into the corner with expert precision – goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin left rooted to the spot.
Eleven minutes after the restart, Modric threaded the ball between two defenders for Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian beat his markers with pace before rounding Marchesin and knocking the ball into an empty net – 3-1; Real Madrid led.
Sixty-six minutes showed on the clock when Real Madrid broke forward again in numbers. A cross arrived from the left, meant for Benzema but pounced upon by Federico Valverde, who slammed it into the corner of the net.
There was still time for late drama as Antonio Rudiger and Benzema combined to win Los Blancos’ second spot-kick of the night. Benzema stepped aside to allow Eden Hazard the chance to score his first of the season, but Marchesin denied the Belgian before saving the rebound from the Frenchman.
Reigning champions Real Madrid are two for two at the start of the season, a record matched by Real Betis and Osasuna who beat their respective opponents, Mallorca and Cadiz, on Saturday afternoon.
Borja Iglesias scored twice from the spot for Betis, either side of a Vedat Muriqi goal to seal the three points. Meanwhile, for Osasuna, Chimy Avila and Kike Garcia scored a penalty each in a 2-0 win.
