Real Madrd left it late, but managed to pull out a win against Real Betis on the opening weekend of La Liga.
The game had barely begun and the ball was already nestled in the back of Betis’ net. That goal though, was ruled out for offside.
Betis had clearly not read the script on how the match at the Bernabeu was supposed to play out, as Cedric Mabwati (who signed from Numancia for literally €1.20) left Sergio Ramos for dead down the right wing and set up Jorge Molina who poked the ball past Diego Lopez.
It did not take Madrid long to respond, as Karim Benzema pulled off a brilliant finish to bring Madrid level in the 26th minute of the match.
Despite the even score line, Betis were the stronger of the two sides in the first half.
Real Madrid were intent on setting that right in the second half, as Ronaldo hammered a shot off the crossbar just after the interval.
Sami Khedira was subbed off due to some discomfort early in the second half, and the Brazilian midfielder Casemiro was brought on to replace him.
Despite their good play in the first half, for the majority of the second half, Betis were simply hanging on as Real Madrid bombed forward, but squandered opportunity after opportunity to win the match.
Carlo Ancelotti brought on Alvaro Morata for Karim Benzema late in the game, but in the end it was the shiny new signing Isco who provided the breakthrough after Marcelo picked him out with a brilliant cross into the box.
Madrid will travel to Granada for their next game, while Betis will host Celta Vigo.