Almeria 1-2 Real Madrid: Stunning Alaba first touch seals Champions League opening day win

Substitute David Alaba scored a superb free-kick with his first touch as Real Madrid began their La Liga title defense with a 2-1 win over Almeria on Sunday.

Carlo Ancelotti's side got off to a bad start at the Power Horse Stadium in Andalucia and fell behind in the opening 10 minutes thanks to a clinical finish from former Manchester United youngster Largie Ramazani.

Madrid struggled to find a way past an inspired Fernando Martinez in Almeria's goal, before Lucas Vazquez, who had a first-half effort ruled out for offside, finally brought it level from Madrid shortly after the hour mark.

Alaba replaced Ferland Mendy in the 74th minute and, with his first touch, looped a sumptuous free kick past Fernando from 25 yards out to seal the three points.

Madrid's defense were surprised just in the sixth minute when Ramazani latched onto Inigo Eguaras' superb ball from over the top and fired past Thibaut Courtois just inside the penalty area.

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At five minutes and 50 seconds, it's the fastest goal Madrid have conceded on the first matchday of a league season since Sergio Aguero scored against them for Atletico Madrid in August 2007.

Los Blancos had 17 shots before the break, but a combination of clever goalkeeping from Fernando and unusually wasteful finishing from Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior prevented them from finding a leveler.

Fernando continued to frustrate Madrid after the break, denying Benzema a fine save, but he was finally beaten in the 61st minute when Vazquez struck home after the Almeria goalkeeper prevented the effort from Vinicius.

Alaba then secured Madrid's return to the capital with maximum points, passing a helpless Fernando immediately after entering the action.