Real Madrid opened their 2014-15 La Liga campaign with a 2-0 win over Cordoba on Monday evening.
Cordoba matched Los Blancos for long spells of the second period after trailing to a Karim Benzema header at the break.
However, Cristiano Ronaldo, who has now scored against every La Liga club, made sure of the points for the home side late on.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two La Liga rivals.
Match statistics
Real Madrid
Shots: 14
On target: 8
Possession: 64%
Corners: 8
Fouls: 9
Cordoba
Shots: 7
On target: 2
Possession: 36%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 13
Was the result fair?
In truth, when reviewing the match as a whole, it is difficult to argue that Real Madrid did not deserve the three points. That said, Cordoba gave them a real scare this evening. The away side's best spell of the match came early in the second period and had they taken one of their many opportunities, it might have been a different story. Los Blancos managed to regain control in the latter stages, however, and always offered the impression that they were capable of upping the tempo at any moment. A two-goal difference is slightly flattering for Madrid, but they deserved to open their campaign with a win. Cordoba had been predicted to take a bit of a hiding, but they showed that they can operate at this level of football.
Real Madrid's performance
Three points, but still not at the level that is expected. Ronaldo, Benzema, James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale all started in an attacking XI this evening, but the combination in the final third did not really work. Ronaldo and Benzema both scored, but the latter two struggled to make an impact despite Madrid enjoying much of the possession, especially in the first period. Had Cordoba levelled, however, you would have expected the Champions League holders to up the tempo. Alvaro Arbeloa and Marcelo were selected in the full-back positions, but neither really justified their selection. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti certainly has a few tough decisions to make as he considers his best XI. Xabi Alonso was only good enough for the bench this evening, but the two-man midfield of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos was not too convincing. That said, it is a case of job done for the capital outfit in their opening league match of the new campaign.
Cordoba's performance
While the defeat was disappointing for the newly-promoted outfit, there were certainly more positives than negatives this evening. They finished seventh in the Segunda Division last season and as a result, are among the favourites to be relegated this season. On this performance, however, it could be a very successful campaign for the club. It was an XI incredibly experienced at this level of football, but there were a number of impressive performers. The first period was a struggle, but the tide turned somewhat in the second half when Fede Cartabia and Fidel were both introduced. Defensively they were also impressive, with Jose Angel Crespo successfully marking Bale out of the match for long spells. Head coach Albert Ferrer has done plenty of transfer business this summer and it looks a squad capable of remaining in the league.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Jose Angel Crespo: For an opposing player to be handed the man-of-the-match award at the Bernabeu, especially a defender, it needs to be a very good performance. Well, that was the case this evening. The 27-year-old, who was signed on loan from Bologna this summer, was defensively sound against a star-studded attack and also offered a serious threat in the final third. The modern full-back needs to provide in both areas of the field and that was the case for Crespo tonight.
Biggest gaffe
Mike Havenaar had a glorious chance to equalise for Cordoba late in the first period after meeting a corner from the left, but the powerful striker could only thump his header wide of the post. Sergio Ramos was applying pressure, but Iker Casillas was stranded and the striker had an open goal. A goal at that stage of proceedings would have made a big difference.
Referee performance
Overall, Jesus Gil had a straightforward evening at the Bernabeu. Ronaldo felt that he had a strong penalty appeal in the first period after tumbling inside the box, but the official was not interested. Gil issued just three yellow cards, meanwhile, in a match that was not particularly untidy in terms of late challenges. There were also a couple of goals disallowed for offside, both of which were the correct call. Overall, a comfortable night.
What next?
Real Madrid: Los Blancos will attempt to make it six points from six when they travel to Real Sociedad next Sunday.
Cordoba: Cordoba host Celta Vigo next Saturday hoping to put their first La Liga points of the campaign on the board.
Matt Law
