In order to preserve their unbeaten start to the season, Real Madrid overcame Real Sociedad 2-1 on Sunday to reclaim the top spot in La Liga.
Prior to it, Mason Greenwood, a Manchester United loanee, made his debut for Getafe, while Sergio Ramos made his second debut for Sevilla in a close victory against Las Palmas.
Following a spectacular five-goal performance by Barcelona against Real Betis on Saturday, Carlo Ancelotti’s team had to continue winning, and they succeeded in doing so against the cunning Basques.
Real Sociedad, driven by the dynamic Takefusa Kubo, seized an early lead with goals from Ander Barrenetxea. However, Madrid responded with goals from Fede Valverde and Joselu to secure their sixth victory in as many games.
After scoring five goals in his first four Madrid games, England international Jude Bellingham was not able to maintain his stellar goal-scoring form, although he still leads the division in goals scored.
Despite losing top midfielder Vinicius Junior to injury and Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema in the summer, Madrid is still a formidable team going into their Champions League opener against Union Berlin on Wednesday at home.
“The good thing is that we were able to turn it around after we let in a goal; the bad thing is that we have to avoid that,” Ancelotti stated.
“The team’s dedication, zeal, and hard work allowed us to succeed; we possess an intensity that is difficult for opponents to handle for ninety minutes.”
Five minutes in, Kubo’s deft ball into Barrenetxea’s path gave the Basque visitors the lead at the redesigned Santiago Bernabeu.
Kepa Arrizabalaga made a nice stop to deny his first attempt, but he was unable to hold off the second.
Then, Kubo scored a spectacular goal to beat the goalie, but it was called offside.
As Madrid regained momentum, Alex Remiro denied Dani Carvajal and Joselu struck the crossbar with the goal open.
Less than a minute into the second half, Valverde made Real Madrid’s lead official by slamming Fran Garcia’s cut-back off the post from beyond the area.
The second goal was also generated by the left defender, who crossed the ball for Joselu, the target, to tip the home team ahead at the back post.
In an attempt to have greater control over the game, Ancelotti substituted Eduardo Camavinga with Spain international Joselu right away.
The Italian understood it as well, as the visitors were essentially sealed down and could no longer find gaps between Madrid lines.
“We turned the Bernabeu around with the help of our fans,” Joselu said.
“We’re coming from behind once more, we’re doing a little bit of everything, and we’re confident in ourselves.”
Despite the fact that the Catalans drew their first matchup against Getafe, Madrid leads Barcelona by two points and both of Spain’s biggest teams are unblemished.
‘Die happy’ – Sevilla defeated Las Palmas to win the season, and Sergio Ramos made his Sevilla debut after leaving the team in 2005.
In the 1-0 triumph at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan, the 37-year-old center defender made his debut after joining from Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
Ramos was applauded upon his homecoming. Eighteen years ago, he left Sevilla for Real Madrid, much to the chagrin of many Andalusian followers.
After 71 minutes, Dodi Lukebakio, a Belgian winger, gave Sevilla the lead. With Ramos defending them, they managed to preserve their first clean sheet of the season.
Ramos told Movistar, “I felt a lot of emotion… it was amazing to find my people, my home, my fans, it’s unique.”
For a while, the defender played for a rival team, so he was understandably nervous about the support he would get.
He said, “Although I had some reservations at first, I will carry to my grave the reception I received upon my arrival… now I can die happy.”
Alexander Sorloth’s goal in the 94th minute of Villarreal’s 2-1 victory against Almeria gave Pacheta a winning start in his first game as the team’s new coach.
In the 3-2 victory against Osasuna, Getafe saw the debut of Greenwood, who hadn’t played since January 2022.
The English striker was accused of attempted rape and assault in October 2022 when he was on loan at Getafe from Manchester United; however, the allegations were eventually dismissed.
Greenwood was substituted on by Getafe coach Jose Bordalas in the 77th minute amid cheers from the home crowd at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez stadium.
“Greenwood, die” was yelled by a bunch of Osasuna fans when the 21-year-old arrived in Spanish football.
Bordalas responded, “I have nothing to say because I didn’t hear them.” “I’m thrilled about the child’s debut.”