Real Madrid made it two wins in two La Liga outings this season when Karim Benzema’s scuffed 10th-minute strike secured an uninspiring 1-0 win at Granada on Monday. Real still seem to be finding their feet under new coach Carlo Ancelotti and, although they dominated the first half, they lost control in a poor-quality second period at Granada’s Los Carmenes stadium.
The victory puts Real on six points, the same as champions Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Bilbao and Villarreal. Barca, 1-0 winners at Malaga on Sunday, top the standings on goal difference, with Real in fifth. ‘This sometimes happens in the early part of the league campaign and we are just happy with the three points,’ Real’s Spain defender Alvaro Arbeloa said in an interview with television broadcaster Canal Plus.
‘We played a very good 45 minutes, we had control, we created chances,’ the former Liverpool player added. ‘This is only the second matchday and obviously you have to be patient, we have just begun, with a new coach and new players.’ Real Madrid manager stuck with Diego Lopez as the goalkeeper as Iker Casillas was benched for the second league game in a row. ‘It’s a matter for the coach and we will back whatever he decides,’ Arbeloa said.