Real Madrid began their preparations for the new season with a 1-0 friendly victory over Deportivo La Coruna at ABANCA-Riazor on Wednesday evening.
Brahim Diaz scored the only goal of the match in first-half stoppage time, finishing a rapid counter-attack after Real Madrid goalkeeper Andrey Lunin had made an important save from a dangerous Deportivo corner.
Lunin immediately turned defence into attack, throwing the ball towards Diaz near the halfway line. The forward carried it through the centre of the pitch and into the Deportivo penalty area, despite pressure from the home defenders, before finding the net and celebrating in his familiar style.
The opening stages were relatively even, although Deportivo enjoyed a slight advantage in possession and territory. Real Madrid offered little attacking threat at first, but gradually began to take greater control through quick passing and sustained possession.
The visitors came close to adding a second goal on more than one occasion. Deportivo goalkeeper Leo Roman produced an excellent save to deny Endrick after the Brazilian had created a dangerous opportunity.
Real Madrid also had another goal ruled out for offside. Carlos Espi appeared to have doubled the advantage after being played through by a precise pass from Eduardo Camavinga, but the officials deemed the effort illegal.
Deportivo made a determined attempt to recover after introducing a large number of substitutes. The movement of David Mella and Mario Soriano caused clear problems for Lunin and gave the hosts renewed attacking momentum.
Real Madrid had threatened to extend their lead during one well-worked attack, breaking into the Deportivo penalty area with a series of neat passes. However, Dumfries’ cross lacked the quality needed for his team-mates to take advantage, and the move came to nothing.
The home side dominated possession as the final whistle approached and searched for an equaliser. Deportivo looked capable of creating a decisive opening, but Dumfries made a crucial intervention to block a threatening shot from a promising position.
Real Madrid held on to claim a narrow victory at the home of Deportivo, giving them a positive result during their pre-season programme. The performance also offered encouragement about the readiness of the club’s younger players before the start of competitive football.
The result allows Real Madrid to continue their preparations with increased confidence, while Deportivo will take positives from a contest in which they caused their opponents problems, particularly after their changes in the second half.
