Real Madrid still struggles at the Bernabéu. Even during Zidane's first spell as manager and in the times of three consecutive Champions League victories, the 'white' team found every home game difficult. And this season seems to be no exception. After the victory against Celta in the start of LaLiga Santander, Zidane's team once again faced ghosts against Valladolid in the second match.
And the draw in the second match has brought some consequences, as expected, for Madrid. This time, it's Zidane who is questioned for the controversial decision he made with his squad. The French coach decided to give his players a 'mini vacation' and has summoned them for Tuesday, August 27, at 10:00 a.m. in Valdebebas to start preparing for the match against Villarreal on Sunday.
The 'blancos' will have two days off (Sunday and Monday) to overcome the bitter taste of the draw against Real Valladolid, and this will allow Zidane to rethink his strategy, especially defensively, to avoid another surprise.
Frustrating draw
The optimism of Real Madrid vanished suddenly on Saturday with the draw in the 88th minute against Real Valladolid after a goal from Sergi Guardiola, leaving Zinedine Zidane's team with a frustrating 1-1 in their first home match of the league season.
Karim Benzema seemed to have secured the second consecutive victory for Madrid after their 3-1 win last week against Celta Vigo, scoring in the 82nd minute with a splendid finish.
The Frenchman, Madrid's top scorer in the last season, controlled a pass with his back to the goal before turning to shoot the ball into the back of the net, giving the home team a well-deserved lead.
Before Benzema's goal, Serbian forward Luka Jovic came close to opening the scoring just a minute after coming off the bench with a header that hit the crossbar, while Gareth Bale and James Rodríguez also missed other goal-scoring opportunities.
Valladolid had posed little threat in attack, equalizing with their second shot on target when Guardiola squeezed the ball between the legs of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, finishing off a quick counterattack after Toni Kroos lost possession of the ball.
The goal silenced the Santiago Bernabéu crowd, leaving Madrid with four points from two matches.
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