Real Madrid drop points in surprise home draw to Real Valladolid

A late goal denied Real Madrid victory in their first home LaLiga match of the season. Los Blancos struck first against opponents Real Valladolid, with Karim Benzema hitting his second goal in two games to get his side off the mark in their first match of the season at the Bernabeu. Real looked to be heading for three points until Sergi Guardiola earned his team a 1-1 draw with a low shot in the 88th minute. 🙌 P A S S I O N 🙌 💜 @realvalladolidE 💜#RealMadridRealValladolid pic.twitter.com/leTxQ9CfuT — LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) August 24, 2019 Gareth Bale had the first opportunity of the game, but his 13th-minute effort went just wide of the Valladolid goal. Midway through the first half, James Rodriguez had a good chance after Tony Kroos fed the ball to the Colombian, but his shot went the wrong side of the post. With the home side dominating possession, Valladolid’s first shot came in the 22nd minute but the effort from Oscar Plano went over the crossbar. As the interval approached, Benzema found himself on the left and got a shot away from a tight angle but goalkeeper Jordi Masip was able to make the save at the near post. Madrid started the second half in the same fashion they ended the first, with Bale sending a header just wide of the goal from a Marcelo cross. 69′ | What an introduction! Jović latches on to a @GarethBale11 cross with a header off the bar!#RMLiga | #HalaMadrid — Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) August 24, 2019 Still looking for the the game’s first goal deep into the second half, substitute Luka Jovic almost scored with his first touch of the game, when he moved on to a Bale cross and sent a header onto the crossbar in the 69th minute. Thibaut Courtois was called into action with just 15 minutes left, deflecting a strong effort from Waldo Rubio to keep the tie level. Benzema finally broke through the Valladolid defence in the 80th minute, when he turned and sent a powerful strike in from the edge of the box past goalkeeper Masip. After being put through by Plano, Guardiola levelled the tie by putting the ball under Courtois’ legs to ensure that the visitors went away with a point. Topics Real Madrid, Valladolid, Karim Benzema, Spanish La Liga, Real Madrid, Valladolid Benzema’s brace fires under-pressure Real to victory at Valladolid Second out of Real’s sights after Sociedad setback Zidane insists Real Madrid are still motivated despite lack of trophy chances Karim Benzema scores twice as Real Madrid rally to beat Eibar Steve Bruce urges Newcastle players to put things right against Spurs Tottenham draw proves Manchester City can go better than last season – Guardiola Real Madrid deserved more from draw against Real Valladolid – Zinedine Zidane Hat-trick hero Lewandowski: I can always play better EFL warns Bolton time is running out Lionel Messi signs for Norwegian third division club Tottenham have decided the minimum price they are willing to sell Christian Eriksen for this summer Ranked! The 10 best centre-backs in the world There’s one big reason why Real Madrid and Barcelona are both wary of signing Neymar What the hell happened to Alexis Sanchez? How the fireball footballer extinguished over time