Madrid held to frustrating draw with Valladolid
Real Madrid stumbled to a 1-1 draw against Real Valladolid in their first home game of the La Liga season on Saturday after the visitors levelled with an 88th-minute strike from former Barcelona trainee Sergi Guardiola.
Madrid striker Karim Benzema looked to have won the game when he gave the hosts a deserved lead in the 82nd minute with a splendid piece of skill, controlling a pass with his back to goal and swivelling before striking into the far corner.
Serbian striker Luka Jovic had gone close to breaking the deadlock earlier in the game when he headed against the crossbar barely a minute after coming off the bench, while Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez missed chances earlier in the game.
Valladolid had offered little in attack but grabbed a shock equaliser with only their second shot on target when Guardiola struck through the legs of Thibaut Courtois to complete a swift counterattack after Toni Kroos had surrendered possession.
Madrid have four points after two games, having beaten Celta Vigo 3-1 away in their opening fixture last week.