Villarreal 2-2 Real Madrid. Bale Scored on Debut but Madrid Held to a Draw

Real Madrid’s New World Record Signing Gareth Bale scored on his Debut, Followed by Real Madrid Super Star Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Goal who puts Madrid ahead in the 64th minute but a late goal by Giovani Dos Santos held Madrid to a 2-2 Draw.

However, El Madrigal was pulsating for a different reason as their beloved Yellow Submarine was undefeated through the first three weeks, just a season removed from relegation and there was a feeling that Marcelino’s side could actually come away with a win.

Villarreal, powered by their faithful fans, immediately taking the fight to Real Madrid forcing Los Blancos to play their game, regardless of how many big-money players were on the pitch.

In the 21st minute, after weaving through the Real Madrid defence, Cani was the one who opened the scoring with a brilliant strike, in dead centre, against an in-form Diego Lopez.

Lopez would go on to save Real Madrid numerous times throughout the evening, and he was justly rewarded when the €91 million Welsh midfielder, Gareth Bale stepped up and fired in the equaliser off a pass from Dani Carvajal.

From that point on, Real Madrid regained control, but Villarreal kept it even going into the break.

Following half-time, Carlo Ancelotti quickly subbed out Gareth Bale and the other debutant, former Real Sociedad defensive midfielder, Asier Illarramendi for Angel di Maria and Sami Khedira.

Cristiano Ronaldo was chomping at the bit to save his team, feeding the ball to Karim Benzema who failed to take advantage of the opportunities.

That’s when the Portuguese star took it upon himself to lead the team, scoring on a right footed shot on a fast break to put his side up 1-2.

Yet, Villarreal scratched and clawed back and in the 70th minute, Mexican international Giovani Dos Santos saved his side with a brilliant equaliser.

Both teams continued to pepper the opposing defences, but both were unwilling to give an inch and Bale’s debut was spoiled by a Real Madrid side that took almost a half hour to get rhythm, while Marcelino’s Villarreal look incredibly deep, talented and skilled, and the early favourites for a European spot.

Match Statistics:

Full Time: Villarreal 2-2 Real Madrid

Referee: Teixeira Vitienes

Villarreal XI: Asenjo, Mario, Musacchio, Dorado, Jaume Costa, Bruno, Trigueros (71′), Cani, Aquino, Gio Dos Santos (75′), Jonathan Pereira (65′)

Goals: Cano (21′), Dos Santos (70′)

Subs: Uche (65′), Pina (71′), Perez (75′)

Yellow cards: Aquino (34′), Pina (78′)

Real Madrid XI: Diego López, Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Nacho, Illarramendi (62′), Modric, Gareth Bale (62′), Isco, Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema (73′)

Goals: Bale (38′), Cristiano Ronaldo (64′)

Subs: Angel Di Maria (62′), Sami Khedira (62′), Alvaro Morata (73′)

Yellow cards: Nacho (37′), Ramos (57′), Morata (77′)[fbphotos id=167143960145321]

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