MADRID, Aug 25 (Reuters) - Second-half strikes by Federico Valverde, Brahim Díaz and Endrick gave feeble Real Madrid an unconvincing 3-0 win over lowly Real Valladolid on Sunday, earning the defending champions their first win of the LaLiga season.
Although Real dominated possession, they struggled to breach Valladolid's ultra-defensive approach until breaking the deadlock from a free kick in the 50th minute, with Valverde slotting in a thunderous strike from the edge of the box.
VALVERDE OPENS THE SCORING FOR MADRID FROM THE SET PIECE pic.twitter.com/UNhzp2c3GM
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 25, 2024
Late strikes by substitutes Díaz, in the 88th minute, and Endrick, six minutes deep in added time, secured Real a win that failed to tell the full story of their lacklustre performance.
EDER MILITÃO LAUNCHED THIS ASSIST FROM JUST OUTSIDE MADRID'S BOX FOR BRAHIM DIAZ TO DOUBLE THEIR LEAD pic.twitter.com/63f8H87v0P
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 25, 2024
Watch: Endrick debut Real Madrid goal vs. Valladolid
ENDRICK SCORES HIS FIRST GOAL FOR REAL MADRID
WHAT A MOMENT ‼️ pic.twitter.com/AmPa9Urp2V— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 25, 2024
Real Madrid are third in the LaLiga standings with four points from two games, two points behind leaders Barcelona and Celta Vigo.
(Reporting by Fernando Kallas; Editing by Pritha Sarkar)