Real Madrid make a winning start to the new season with a comfortable home win against Getafe. Goals from Daniel Carvajal and Gareth Bale secured a routine victory for Julen Lopetegui’s first league game in charge of the side. Madrid were not quite firing on all cylinders at times, but never looked like losing after going ahead. Bale seized his chance to impress after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, and it’s a good start to the season for the Welshman.

Madrid made a quick start to proceedings and Bale nearly gave them an early lead, but David Soria made a fantastic save to tip the ball around for a corner. The former Spurs forward went even closer to breaking the deadlock ten minutes later, as his header crashed off the bar.

Lopetegui’s men deservedly went ahead moments later through an unusual source. Bale’s cross into the box was poorly punched by Soria to Carvajal. The full back had the composure to loop his header over the keeper and into the far corner to score only his third goal for the club.

The rest of the first half was a scrappy affair with Madrid at times losing their control of the game. However, they did look to have won a penalty when Sergio Ramos was pushed in the box, but the referee rescinded the decision after an earlier offside.

After the break, Madrid regained their control on the game and Bale opened his account for the season. Another defensive mistake from Getafe as Djene dwelled on the ball which gifted Marco Asensio possession. The forward delivered a cross to Bale who found the bottom corner, even though Soria got a hand to the ball.

Asensio nearly scored himself moments later, but his shot rattled the post and bounced to safety. It was becoming too easy for the hosts as Asensio was denied by Soria before Bale bent a shot over the bar.

Getafe offered very little in the end to get back in the game, but they did rack up eight yellow cards during the game for consistently fouling the hosts. Madrid did nearly add a third goal, but Casemiro’s shot was blocked and Asensio’s square ball was cleared.

A solid home win to start Madrid’s campaign. An improved performance from mid-week as they moved the ball around better and were solid at the back. Still a be rusty in areas, but that will come with time. A difficult start for Getafe with defensive errors costing them dearly. Need to move on quickly and get their first points on the board quickly.