Goals from Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo gave Real Madrid a 2-0 win over Cordoba on Monday evening.
James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos made their League debuts for Los Blancos following summer moves to Santiago Bernabeu, whilst Ronaldo was deemed fit following a slight injury concern last week. The newly-promoted side meanwhile, were pinning their hopes on striker Ryder Matos.
As expected, it was the European champions who got off to the brighter start, controlling possession and generally looking menacing every time they went forward. It was Gareth Bale who had the first attempt at goal – firing a free kick over Juan Carlos’ bar.
The away side weren’t just going to roll over however, and they tested Iker Casillas themselves with seven minutes on the clock. Some dogged ply by Mike Havenaar saw the Japan international bare down on goal, but the striker dragged his shot wide of the left-hand post.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men were clearly superior to their Andalusian rivals, but were finding it tough to break down what was a resolute backline. Intricate passing wasn’t working and neither was direct running. A set piece though, almost got them the opening. A low cross from Luka Modric found Ronaldo on the edge of the area, but his first time effort was saved well by Juan Carlos.
And it was another set piece that finally gave the capital club the breakthrough. A corner from Kroos found Benzema’s head, and the France international powered the ball into the back of the net on 30 minutes.
After the break, Havenaar was causing the Madrid defenders more problems with his height and physicality. The visitors reverted to the long ball game, and it almost paid dividends as the rangy striker laid in Ryder Matos, who forced Casillas into a good save.
The hosts looked slightly disjointed at this early stage in the season, but there were moments when it seemed to click. A beautiful one-two between Benzema and James saw the Colombia international with the ball at his feet on the edge of the area – the World Cup star though, shanked his shot wide.
The former Monaco wasn’t overawed on his home debut however, and almost doubled Madrid’s lead on 60 minutes. A corner from the right fell to the youngster at the far post, but his shot was well saved by Juan Carlos.
Cordoba were going hell for leather now, bombing forward and going all out for a famous point. And they thought they’d got it on 71 minutes as Xisco tapped in after Casillas had palmed an effort his way. The linesman on the near side however, had his flag up for offside.
And unfortunately, it got even worse for Albert Ferrer’s men in the last minute as Ronaldo struck home from 30 yards, unleashing a daisy-cutter past the goalkeeper.
Real Madrid 2-0 Cordoba
Scorers: Benzema 30 (RM), Ronaldo 90 (RM)
Real Madrid: Casillas, Arbeloa (Carvajal 73), Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo, James Rodríguez (Isco 73), Kroos, Modric, Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema (Khedira 76)
Cordoba: Juan Carlos; Gunino, Inigo, Pantic, Crespo; Rossi, Garai, Pinillos (Cartabia 45), Lopez Silva; Ryder (Fidel 62), Mike (Xisco 67)
