A bad start for Real Madrid in terms of ability, but no one is going to complain about beating Cordoba 2-0, thanks to goals from Karim Benzema and a finisher from Cristiano Ronaldo, who continues to look like he’s either injured or simply still tired from the World Cup.

Cordoba haven’t been to the La Liga in over 40 years, and didn’t embarrass themselves on the return. Juan Carlos did a good job with a few difficult opportunities as Gareth Bale failed to score from some comfortable opportunities, as the current blend of midfielders, with James Rodriguez, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric doesn’t seem to be allowing Real Madrid to play to the best of its ability.

Angel di Maria wasn’t in the squad as his impending departure to Manchester United and the lack of speed and drive, despite having Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale and Rodriguez on the pitch was quite evident. Cordoba struggled to create chances fluently, as expected, but Real Madrid’s defense, with Sergio Ramos and Pepe in the middle, didn’t look very confident or reassuring through all the match.

As with every season, Barcelona and Real Madrid are compared with every step. So for now? Barcelona have the edge, looking a lot more impressive in their opening win against Elche. Not just the score line, but the kind of football they displayed.

Real Madrid never really connected for long stretches in the La Liga last season, and not winning the championship won’t go lightly as it did last season thanks to the Champions League. Obviously, Ancelotti is capable of turning this group, once again in theory the most talented in Europe, into something a lot better than their performance in their opening league match.

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