Real Madrid continue their unbeaten streak in La Liga after a Dani Carvajal goal in stoppage time propelled Los Blancos to a 3-2 victory against Almería. This win also keeps them in the hunt for the league title.
The game started in the worst possible way for the Merengues as Largie Ramazani opened the scoring for Almería after just 40 seconds. They doubled their lead in the 43rd minute after a stunning volley from distance by Edgar González.
The first half was one of the worst displays by Real Madrid this season as they did not have a single shot on target in the entire half. The fans in the Bernabeu showed their frustration by whistling at the players.
Carlo Ancelotti was not convinced by the display and made 3 substitutions at the beginning of the 2nd half by bringing on Fran García, Joselu, and Brahim Díaz for Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo, and Nacho.
Los Blancos began the 2nd half and showed an urgency to score. After a lengthy VAR check in the 56th minute, Joselu earned a penalty which was slotted home by Jude Bellingham.
Just a few minutes later, Sergio Arribas scored from a counter-attack but that goal was ruled out due to a foul on Jude by Dion Lopy during the buildup.
Real Madrid’s equaliser by Vinicius Junior was first ruled out by the referee but after VAR’s intervention, the goal was awarded. This was a controversial decision and the Almería players and manager were left fuming at this decision.
Jude Bellingham continued his great form as he also had a goal ruled out for offside and attempted a bicycle kick, which if it had gone in, would have been the goal of the season.
11 minutes were added on and in the 99th minute, Bellingham made an awkward header towards the far post, finding Dani Carvajal, who successfully completed a 3-2 comeback at home.
Jude Bellingham won his 12th man of the match award of the season and took his goal tally to 18 in 25 games this season, also being the joint-highest scorer of La Liga so far (14).
The determination shown by Real Madrid led them to a victory and a loss to Almería would have been embarrassing due to them being placed last in the table.
Girona on the other hand, completed a sensational 5-1 victory and as things stand, the Catalan club holds a 1-point advantage over the European giants.
It remains to be seen whether the fairytale season continues or will Real Madrid will show the nerve and pip them to win the league title. The players now get a 6-day rest and face Las Palmas next weekend.
