Real Madrid make no mistake at Almería

Real Madrid overcame UD Almería 1-4 in the opening game of matchday 15 of the Liga BBVA. Carlo Ancelotti’s men completed their thirteenth straight victory in the championship, while for Almería it was their ninth matchday without a win.

An Almería in good form made life difficult for the Whites, who had their first chance in the 13th minute in the form of a powerful strike from Toni Kroos that hit Rubén’s crossbar. Thanks to some good pressure from the home side, both teams had chances to take the lead, but it was Real Madrid, with a great goal from Isco Alarcón, who made it 0-1.

Almería responded quickly and Verza, with a spectacular strike, beat Iker Casillas at the right post. It was an equaliser that restored hope to the crowd at the Juegos Mediterráneos Stadium. But the Andalusians’ joy was short-lived, because three minutes later Gareth Bale put Ancelotti’s side back in front.

The second half continued in the same vein. Almería frustrated the Whites and snuffed out the danger. After 15 minutes, Marcelo took down Édgar Méndez in the area and the referee gave the penalty, but Iker Casillas stopped Verza’s shot to keep the score on 1-2. In the final stages, Cristiano Ronaldo rounded off the result with a brace of goals, taking his tally to 25 this season.