Defending champions Real Madrid brushed aside Sevilla in a one-sided encounter as Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde scored a magnificent goal to cap off a 3-1 win. Vinicius Jr. was brilliant, registering two assists in an excellent performance.
Even though 2022 Ballon d’Or winner Benzema missed the game with a muscle fatigue, Real got their noses in front early with a beautiful set-up courtesy of Vinicius Jr., which was promptly tapped in by Croatian great Luka Modric.
Madrid took complete control of things in the first half as Jorge Sampaoli’s side had some thinking to do going into the tunnel. Sevilla came back reinvigorated and scored a superb goal. Argentinian right-back Gonzalo Montiel, who was in part responsible for Madrid’s first goal, played a magical ball in for Erik Lamela, who finished the chances with a spectacular dink.
The hosts bounced back immediately, with Lucas Vazquez restoring their lead with a very similar goal before Valverde’s rocket of an effort sealed three points for the reigning Spanish champions.
Meanwhile, Valencia manager Gennaro Gattuso’s decision to persist with veteran Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani for penalty duty paid off as the former PSG and Manchester United striker opened the scoring from the spot in the 52nd minute of the game against Mallorca.
But Los Che were not able to hold on to their lead, conceding from the spot themselves before South Korean centre-forward Kang-In Lee scored in the last few minutes, giving visitors Mallorca an important victory. Valencia will be gutted to miss out on three points, which would have seen them jump to seventh on the table.
Newly-promoted LaLiga club Almeria bounced back from a 3-1 defeat away from home to Real Betis with a 3-2 win against Girona. Rubi’s men scored three in the first half, as they dominated a clueless Girona defence.
The hosts came back strong in the second half, scoring just minutes into the second half. They had the perfect opportunity to put pressure on Almeria with a penalty, but the spot-kick was brilliantly saved by veteran goalkeeper Fernando Martinez. Cristhian Stuani, who missed the penalty, somewhat redeemed himself and converted a second penalty kick in the 83rd minute, but it wasn’t enough, as Almeria sealed three points.
Legendary striker Ronaldo Nazario’s Real Valladolid caused an upset, beating Imanol Alguacil’s Real Sociedad 1-0 at their home venue. Los Txuri-Urdi had an opportunity to put some pressure on Barcelona with three points, but failed to do so. As such, Valladolid put an end to Sociedad’s five-match winning streak in the competition.
Elsewhere, Rayo Vallecano posted a thumping victory over relegation-threatened side Cadiz with a 5-1 victory at home at the Estadio de Vallecas. Vallecano centre-back Florian Lejeune scored two well-taken goals as his side walked away with a superb victory. The crushing loss now leaves Cadiz in dire straits, now firmly in the relegation zone.
