ALMERIA: Reigning champions Real Madrid kicked off their La Liga season on a positive note as they edged past Almeria 2-1 in an away game, here on Sunday.

Real came out on top as David Alaba hit the winner in the 75th minute from a free-kick within seconds after coming off the bench.

Almeria went for a sublime start as former Manchester United striker Largie Ramazani scored the opening goal just six minutes into the game to put the hosts on a 1-0 lead.

Real upped the ante and launched a vigorous attack in a desperate quest to find an equalizer but goalkeeper Fernando Martinez thwarted the efforts on several occasions.

They nearly found one when Lucas Vazquez put the ball in the nets before half-time but it was denied for the offside call. Vazquez, however, scored in the 61st minute to level the lead.

Alaba substituted Ferland Mendy with 15 minutes left and smashed a stunning left-footed free kick to beat Fernando and give his side a decisive 2-1 lead.

Meanwhile, Valencia beat Girona 1-0 in a home game with Carlos Solar scoring the lone goal off a penalty just before the half time.

Real Sociedad defeated the home side, Cadiz, in another game on Sunday. Takefusa Kubo scored in the 24th minute to give his team a 1-0 lead in the game.

The action-filled tournament is being telecasted live on Pakistan’s first HD Sports channel – A Sports and will be simultaneously streamed on the digital platform of ARY Digital Network – ARY ZAP in crystal clear HD quality.

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