Madrid (AFP)
What a crazy match!
Real Madrid were surprised from the second day of La Liga by Levante (3-3) on Sunday, offering the provisional first place in the standings to Atlético, short winner of Elche 1-0 in the evening.
First quack for Carlo Ancelotti: the Italian coach, who took the torch from Zinédine Zidane on the merengue bench, suffered his first hard blow on the Levante field, which created the sensation of the second day in Spain.
The Italian technician's men, however, opened the scoring in the 5th minute, thanks to a bright in-depth pass from David Alaba for Karim Benzema, who waited before withdrawing for Gareth Bale.
Welsh striker Gareth Bale (c), after opening the scoring against Levante, during their La Liga match on August 22, 2021 in Valencia Jose Miguel FERNANDEZ AFP
But it was back from the locker room that the game was packed: in less than ten minutes, Levante equalized and then took the lead.
First by Roger Marti, following a blocked ball (46th), then by José Campaña, found at the far post for a pure volley (57th).
The joy of Levante midfielder Jose Campana after scoring the second goal against Real Madrid in their La Liga match on August 22, 2021 in Valencia Jose Miguel FERNANDEZ AFP
- Vinicius, what a treat!
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Fortunately for "Carletto" and for the Merengues, Vinicius was having a great evening: the young Brazilian, who entered the game in 59th place in place of Eden Hazard, erased in 30 minutes all the reproaches that had been addressed to him until then. on its imprecision.
He first concluded a vertical and millimeter ball served by Casemiro with a cross dive (73rd) to bring his own to 2-2.
Then after the new goal from Rober Pier, involuntarily served by the head of David Alaba (79th), Vinicius took advantage of a pass from Karim Benzema to sign the jewel of the evening: a stung and brushed ball which caressed the post before to enter the nets for the final equalizer (3-3, 85th).
The joy of Brazilian striker of Real Madrid, Vinicius Junior, after having equalized (3-3) against Levante, during their La Liga match, on August 22, 2021 in Valencia Jose Miguel FERNANDEZ AFP
It was just before the direct red card to Levante goalkeeper Aitor Fernandez for a hand fault outside his area after going up to a corner.
A crazy show that delighted locals and disappointed players from the "White House".
Ancelotti will have to quickly find the solution to limit the defensive concerns, in particular with Lucas Vazquez, signaled on the first two opposing goals ... and replaced by Dani Carvajal, back on the lawns seven months after his hamstring injury.
- The "Angel" Correa -
On the Atlético side, the Colchoneros scorer "Angel" has struck again.
While he had already flown to the rescue of his team during the inaugural success at Celta Vigo last weekend with a brace (2-1), Angel Correa scored again on Sunday, from the outside of the right foot, taking advantage of a completely failed exit by Elche goalkeeper Kiko Casilla (39th).
Atlético Madrid striker Angel Correa scores the only goal of the match against Elche, after goalkeeper Kiko Casilla's missed exit, during their La Liga match on August 22, 2021 at Wanda Metropolitano Stadium JAVIER SORIANO AFP
It allows the "Rojiblancos" to beat Elche 1-0 and temporarily take the lead in the La Liga table.
With three goals in two matches, the small Argentine striker is currently La Liga's co-top scorer, along with Vinicius.
He has scored eight goals in his last eight games with Atlético straddling the two seasons.
The party has started again for the reigning Spanish champion, who was finally able to present his trophy to his audience on Sunday, in a Metropolitano which found supporters (24.926) for the first time in eighteen months.
Supporters who were able to attend the first tenure of their major recruit of the offseason: Rodrigo de Paul.
The Argentinian international midfielder, the recent Copa America winner, was voluntary, was not reluctant to help with defensive spots, and offered a nice assist on the goal of his compatriot.
Elche side, it was also the first entry into play of the former Argentine striker from Marseille Dario Benedetto, who arrived only at the beginning of the week on the Valencian coast.
He replaced Pere Milla in the 63rd.
In the afternoon, Real Sociedad, who also found their home crowd in Anoeta, managed to beat Rayo Vallecano, freshly promoted to La Liga, by the same score.
© 2021 AFP