15 August,2022 03:53 PM IST | Madrid | AP
David Alaba celebrates scoring a goal during the match between UD Almeria and Real Madrid. Pic/ AFP
Substitute David Alaba needed one touch to help Real Madrid rally to victory in its Spanish league opener.
Alaba came off the bench and immediately scored from a 75th-minute free kick to give defending champion Madrid a 2-1 come-from-behind win at promoted AlmerÃa.
Alaba sprinted from the bench and went straight to the free kick spot, then curled a well-struck shot that went over the wall and hit the post before going in.
AlmerÃa, the Saudi-owned club promoted after seven consecutive seasons in the second division, had opened the scoring six minutes into the match with Largie Ramazani. The young Belgian forward broke through behind the Madrid defenders before finding the net past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
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Madrid had been pressing since conceding and equalized with Lucas Vázquez from close range after an assist by Karim Benzema in the 61st. Vázquez had already had a goal disallowed for offside just before halftime.
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Madrid on Wednesday began its season by winning the UEFA Super Cup against Eintracht Frankfurt, when Alaba also scored.
Madrid won last season's Champions League and comfortably clinched the Spanish league title by finishing 13 points ahead of second-place Barcelona.
New signings Antonio Rüdiger and Aurélien Tchouaméni made their debuts with Madrid as starters, with Luka Modric, Casemiro and Eden Hazard entering the match in the second half.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti could not count on defender Dani Carvajal and forward Rodrygo because of injuries.
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