Carlo Ancelotti's first La Liga match as Real Madrid boss pitted the capital outfit against Real Betis on Sunday.
Madrid started positively at the Santiago Bernabeu, but a strike from Jorge Molina sent Betis ahead after 15 minutes.
The home side did level 10 minutes later, however, when Karim Benzema burst into the box before sliding an effort into the bottom corner.
It appeared that Ancelotti's side would have to settle for a point, but Isco had other ideas with the Spaniard's header winning it five minutes from time.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two Spanish rivals.
Match statistics:
Real Madrid:
Shots: 18
On target: 8
Possession: 62%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 9
Real Betis:
Shots: 10
On target: 4
Possession: 38%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 17
Was the result fair?
In truth, Madrid just about deserved to pick up all three points this evening, but they left it very late. The home side started the better, but Betis improved as the first period developed, with Molina's goal sending them into the lead. However, they faded in the second half under constant Madrid pressure. You just got the feeling that the goal would eventually arrive as Betis continued to retreat deeper and deeper.
Real Madrid's performance
It was not a five-star performance from Madrid, but they managed to pick up all three points. Their defence does not fill you with confidence, while they were guilty of moving into offside positions all too often. Having watched Barcelona demolish Levante earlier this evening, Madrid simply needed to respond. They did not manage to match their performance, but they have not allowed the current Spanish champions to open up an early gap in the table.
Real Betis's performance
It had been suggested that coach Pepe Mel would play a more conservative style away from home this season, but it took just one minute to realise that would not be the case when they launched a four-man attack. Had they pushed on in the second period, then it might have been a different result, but they invited pressure from Ancelotti's side in the final 20 minutes or so.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Cedric Mabwati: The 21-year-old joined Betis on a free transfer from Numancia this summer and based on his performance this evening, he could turn out to be one of the bargains of the season. He terrorised the Madrid defence in the first period, with his pace and power allowing Molina to send the away side into the lead with 15 minutes on the clock.
Biggest gaffe of the match
Benzema had a glorious opportunity to send Madrid into the lead early in the second period, but somehow the Frenchman struck high and wide of the crossbar when it looked easier to find the back of the net. However, it ultimately did not cost his side.
Referee performance
Gil Manzano had a number of calls to make in what was a lively first period, but he did get the majority of those decisions correct. Mabwati might have been awarded a penalty when he was bundled over by Daniel Carvajal inside the box, but the Spaniard was not interested, much to the frustration of the Betis camp. Manzano's assistants must also be credited for chalking off three goals for Madrid in the first period.
What next?
Real Madrid: Madrid will attempt to make it six points from two games when they travel to Granada on August 26.
Real Betis: Mel's side are in Europa League action against Jablonec next Thursday before welcoming Celta Vigo in the league next weekend.
Matt Law
