Real Madrid defeated Deportivo 3-2 in their first game in the 2009/10 edition of La Liga. The visiting side played well in defence and made good use of their chances in attack, but failed to overcome the Madridistas, Raul, Cristiano and Lass scored for the Whites. Usain Bolt kicked-off the match.

Looking to keep possession and give spectacle, Real Madrid dominated the match from the start. Kaka had a chance on goal just one minute into the game. All Deportivo could do was keep their defensive line organised to try to thwart the Whites’ bouts in attack. Their attack basically consisted on isolated plays and set pieces.

After a few minutes of complete local dominance, the game came to a standstill, seeing how Real Madrid had trouble trying to move past Deportivo’s defence. All this changed when Kaka received a ball down the right wing on the 25-minute mark. The Brazilian ventured towards the goal diagonally and passed the ball to Benzema between defenders. The Frenchman hit the post, but Raul picked up the deflection and scored the opener. Four minutes later, Riki netted a header for Deportivo in a set piece.

Real Madrid didn’t give up and managed to end the first half in the lead again thanks to a penalty awarded to Raul and scored by Ronaldo. The Portuguese star sent the ball in grazing the left post (33′). Cristiano had a shot that was slightly off target after half-time and Deportivo scored another equalizer through Valeron, who scored from outside the box after receiving a great pass from Guardado. The Northern side proved threatening in counterattacks and Valeron failed to score again from a great chance.

Lass pulled rank in the 58th minute and, after dribbling past an opponent, netted a terrific shot grazing the left post from outside the box. Pellegrini’s men dominated the fixture from the on and earned an important first victory.

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