Real Madrid couldn’t win their first game in La Liga at home and they only drew (2-2) against Valencia. Marco Asensio was the leader of the team but it wasn’t enough against a good team, especially because Benzema missed several chances to get the three points.
Zinedine Zidane had a problem in the defense line because Sergio Ramos was suspended and Vallejo and Varane injured. So the manager decided to put Casemiro as a full back and a very offensive midfield, with Marco Asensio in the front line together with Bale and Benzema. And Zidane was right once again.
In the 11th minute, Marco Asensio opened the score with a great shot from outside the box after a mistake committed by Valencia when leaving their field. The main news in Zidane’s line-up, opened the scoreboard quite quickly. Valencia CF reacted very well and they were able to draw the game in the 18th minute after a collective play finished by Carlos Soler.
Valencia were playing really well and creating danger to Keylor Navas, but the best chance arrived for Real Madrid in the 35th minute, but Neto saved a shot from Benzema after a great counter attack. Benzema had also a very clear opportunity in the 43rd minute but he missed the volley. The French had even another chance before the half-time with a header but it wasn’t his day.
Zidane didn’t see well Los Blancos and he decided to introduce Kovacic in the half-time, replacing Isco. Real Madrid started the second half pressuring very high and trying to score the second goal. Actually their performance was better, but they were unable to beat Neto, who made a great save after a shot by Modric from outside the box. Also Bale had a clear chance with a header, but he was again showing a poor level and, actually, the Welshman was substituted in the last 20 minutes.. Valencia also had some chances with Zaza missing a header and a great free kick from Parejo saved by Navas.
With 13 minutes to go, Kondogbia scored the second goal for Valencia. It was time for an epic comeback. In the 83rd minute, Asensio, the best player of the game for Los Blancos, drew the game with a free kick shot. There was time for one goal more and Zidane introduced Mayoral to try to get it. And Benzema had it in the 88th minute, alone, almost in the small box, but he missed it again. Difficult to believe.The French player even hit the bar in the last moment.
Benzema really need to improve his skill this 2017/2018 season. He was the cause of us drawing the resent past game.