If Real Madrid are going to play like this under Rafael Benitez all season, he won't even last until the summer.

They've been poor.

Image source, EPA

Image source, Getty Images

Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic, 21, was a summer signing from Inter Milan for a reported £25m. 

Former Croatia defender Josip Simunic told BBC World Service: "I was actually very, very surprised. He hasn't done what he can do on a regular basis for the last 12 months. 

"A club like Real Madrid, I don't think they're going to wait. They want the results straight away. At this time of his career, I think that he has to play. If he doesn't, that's not going to be good for him. "I think he'll do great things at Real Madrid eventually, I just don't know how long that will take."

Real Madrid bring on Croatia midfielder Mateo Kovacic for his debut in place of Isco.

Sporting make a change too as Juan Muniz replaces Miguel Guerrero.

James Rodriguez gets the ball on the right corner of the box and hits a left-footed shot which is again held by Ivan Cuellar. Pretty much all their shots on target have been at the Sporting keeper.

For all this Karim Benzema to Arsenal chat, I can't see why he'd want to make that move. He starts every week at the Bernabeu when fit. And why would Real want to sell him? They have lacked a proper striker today in his absence.

Image source, Reuters

Has this been the dullest opening weekend in La Liga history?

Gareth Bale and Isco play a one-two with some nice touches but then the Wales forward takes the ball out wide and loses it.

Real get it back though and Cristiano Ronaldo misses a header at the back post.

Isco takes a corner which Gareth Bale heads straight at the keeper. That's Real Madrid's 15th effort of the game.

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Real Madrid have a free-kick in a great position around the right corner of the box but Gareth Bale's effort is quite poor - it doesn't dip or curl enough and is off target.

James Rodriguez drops a good cross into the box from the left wing but Sporting clear it. And moments later Cristiano Ronaldo tries an overhead kick but a defender just heads it away from him.

Real on top but it doesn't feel like they're definitely going to score.

Real Madrid fail to clear a ball into the box and Carlos Carmona goes down under legal pressure from Sergio Ramos. He looks at the referee for a penalty but doesn't appeal too much. 

It's Rafael Benitez's first competitive substitution as Real Madrid manager. Jese comes off for James Rodriguez at the top end of the field.

Cristiano Ronaldo has a shot from 18 yards but it's held by keeper Ivan Cuellar. He's made a few saves but I can't remember any of them being too difficult.

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Real Madrid have an attack as Isco flicks the ball up with his head around the edge of the box but he can't get it down to have an effort and Sporting clear.

Sporting Gijon have a chance to take the lead as Carlos Carmona meets a left-wing cross but he heads it just wide - for a second it looked goalbound.

Encouraging start to this half for the newly promoted side.

Isco picks up the ball at the edge of the box and has a go but it's straight at Ivan Cuellar, who holds onto it down low.

The second half begins.

He was a doubt to start the season with a thigh injury.