After a surprisingly slow start to the 2024/24 LaLiga EA Sports season, Real Madrid were eager to put their campaign back on the right track when they arrived at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu for their home opener.

Real Valladolid were the visitors, with Ronaldo Nazario in attendance at his former home. Kylian Mbappe was handed his first start at home as a Real Madrid player, although Carlo Ancelotti was without Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham.

Attacking riches will not be a problem for Los Merengues this term, but just how the Italian coach is able to find balance on the pitch remains a topic of debate in the stands.

Real Madrid struggled for balance until the second-half

Whilst the starting XI for Los Blancos was full of talent, the first-half was something of a slog for the hosts.

Kylian Mbappe got on the end of a pass inside the penalty area and produced a first-time shot which was expertly saved by Karl Hein.

Arda Guler was handed a rare start and was at the heart of everything Real Madrid did well, but they just couldn't find a way to goal.

After the half-time break it didn't take the hosts long to improve. In the 50th minute Federico Valverde unleashed a powerful shot from a long-range free-kick which flew into the bottom corner of the net.

It was a tremendous strike that put Real Madrid ahead, although almost immediately they lost concentration and allowed Victor Cavas a chance to shoot at goal, forcing a tremendous save from Thibaut Courtois.

Mbappe was then denied again by Hein, with the French forward firing a shot at the keeper from close-range.

Real Madrid would double their lead in the 88th minute of play. Eder Militao slipped a perfect pass into Brahim Diaz, who was able to chip the ball over the keeper and into the net.

The 3-0 win was completed in the 96th minute when Endrick curled a wonderful strike into the corner of the net.