#3 Slow-paced game
Uncharacteristically, Real adopted a laidback approach throughout the course of the game. While Real fell behind early to Deyverson’s strike, it did not take long for them to first draw level with the home side, and then to score the goal that gave them the lead.
They gave Alaves the time and space to create their own chances, but the lack of quality of the newly promoted side was apparent in the game. While Theo was a nuisance down Real’s right for much of the game, Real’s defenders were on point on the night and were able to shut out nearly every move made by the Basque team following the goal.
Only a late upsurge gave them the gloss on the performance that comes with a 4-1 scoreline. The goal that Morata scored in the 84th minute finished the game, but for most of the game, Real’s midfield came up cropper with regards to creating clear-cut chances.
