Real Madrid dominates valid lead in La Liga opener Madrid Spain Real Madrid kicked off their La Liga title defense with a convincing 3-1 victory over real valad at the Santiago bernabo on Saturday the defending Champions showcased their dominance from the outset controlling the tempo of the game and creating numerous scoring opportunities the Breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when venicius Jr found the back of the net with a well-placed shot from inside the Box Karim benzar doubled the lead just before halftime converting a pass from Luca Modric with a trademark finish valad deed pulled one back early in the second half through a goal from anoir to hary but their hopes of a comeback were short-lived Real Madrid restored their two-goal advantage in the 67th minute when Rodrigo goes scored with a powerful header from a corner kick the victory sends a clear clear message to the rest of La Liga that Real Madrid are determined to retain their title their clinical finishing and dominant performance against valad deled were a testament to their quality and experience as they look ahead to the rest of the season the Blancos will be confident in their ability to compete at the highest level