That's it!

Real Madrid start their title defence with a win, but they were really made to work for it against a stubborn Almeria side who took an early lead through Largie Ramazani.

Almeria keeper Fernando Martinez made a series of saves to keep his side ahead, but he was finally beaten when Lucas Vazquez levelled on 61 minutes.

David Alaba then settled an entertaining game in spectacular fashion with a superb free-kick - his first touch after coming off the bench.

That was a fun watch. Thanks for following along - goodnight!

Image source, Getty Images

Almeria win a free-kick and it results in another chance as Rodrigo Ely attacks the ball, but his powerful header is straight down Thibaut Courtois' throat.

Real Madrid survive another scare.

Six minutes added on!

That's given the crowd a lift.

A mix-up in the Almeria defence nearly results in a Sergio Akieme own goal, but Fernando Martinez reacts quickly to keep the ball out with his feet.

That would have been curtains.

Big chance for Almeria!

The ball falls to Curro Sanchez inside the box but he fires straight at Thibaut Courtois!

Just a little reminder to Real that this one isn't over yet.

It's looking very comfortable for Real Madrid now.

They have the lead and Almeria are showing signs of fatigue.

Not over yet, of course, but it'll take something special from the hosts to salvage something from the game.

That's a real gut-punch for Almeria, but sheer brilliance from David Alaba.

On the pitch a matter of seconds and he may just have won this for Real Madrid.

Ooooh, Luka Modric wins a free-kick in an inviting position for Real Madrid.

Trouble here potentially for the hosts.

Almeria goalscorer Largie Ramazani and strike partner Umar Sadiq are replaced by Jose Carlos Lazo and Dyego Sousa.

Big 25 minutes or so coming up for Almeria. Can they hold on for a point?

It's one-way traffic at the moment.

Aurelien Tchouameni's La Liga debut lasts 58 minutes as he's replaced by Eden Hazard in an attack-minded change by Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Curro Sanchez is on for Almeria, replacing Lucas Robertone.

Real are readying Eden Hazard as well.

It's another cracking save from Fernando Martinez!

Vinicius Junior sends Karim Benzema through with a clever first-time flick but the French striker's shot is kept out as Martinez gets a strong left hand to it.

The Real players must be thinking what they have to do to beat the Almeria goalkeeper. What a performance from the 32-year-old.

Karim Benzema's cross finds Federico Valverde, whose low drive forces yet another save from Fernando Martinez.

At the other end, Umar Sadiq somehow gets through the Real defence but can't beat Thibaut Courtois.

End-to-end!

Ooof!

Samu sends a ferocious left-footed drive towards Thibaut Courtois and it whisks just past the Belgian's right-hand post.

Did Courtois touch that? The Almeria players certainly think he did.

Toni Kroos has a pop from distance and it troubles Fernando Martinez, who opts to punch the ball away instead of catching.

Real's latest corner falls to Vinicius, who attempts a lob and clips the outside of the post!

What a goal that would have been - had he meant it. It may have been a cross.

We're back under way.

Luka Modric has indeed come on for Real, with Eduardo Camavinga making way for the Croatian.

Luka Modric looks as though he'll be introduced for Real Madrid.

Not a bad player to have in reserve, is he?