In their final tune-up match before the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday, Real Madrid won their 13th consecutive Santiago Bernabeú Trophy, defeating AC Milan 3-1. Here is a recap of the match.
It may have been a preseason match, but of these teams took today’s match seriously. After all, there was hardware involved.
Both clubs started strong sides with the Real Madrid starting XI looking very similar to the lineup we will likely see for the first month or so. Besides the exclusion of Luka Modric in the midfield, the forward line, comprised of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, and Marco Asensio, were strong going forward.
With Casemiro back in the midfield alongside Toni Kroos and Isco, Los Blancos overwhelmed the clearly inferior Milan players. Raphael Varane and Marcelo made their first appearances of the new campaign, both putting a good half plus of work.
Match Recap
To say the match got off to a fast start would be a wild understatement. Off of the kickoff and without letting the visitors get a touch of the ball, Real glided down the field and scored the opening goal in the second minute.
Great passing from seemingly every outfield player was capped off by a magnificent cross from Dani Carvajal that found its way onto the fiving head of Karim Benzema. The French striker easily beat Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma at the back post as The Big Benz ran unmarked behind the defense.
The Madrid lead did not last long as former Madridista and now Italian wanderer, Gonzalo Higuain pounced on a rebound and scored a nice bending shot in just the fourth minute.
After the flurry of activity in the first five minutes, players from both sides settled in a played a much slower style with significantly fewer chances. Real Madrid dominated the possession but were too busy passing the ball and looking for the perfect shot rather than getting shots on target.
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Just before the half, Gareth Bale found the ball at his feet inside the six-yard box after a cross from Isco was pinballed around the area. Bale’s goal put Los Blancos into the lead for good and marked his third goal of the preseason and the third consecutive game he has scored in.
In the second half, after both teams began substituting out their starters, the match’s pace slowed down to a crawl. The home side continued to hold possession but again had trouble getting quality chances in the final third.
The third and final Real Madrid goal came in the 90th minute as Borja Mayoral picked up the rebound from a Luka Modric shot with his head to easily score.
Final Thoughts
It was good to see Real Madrid back in the Santiago Bernabéu before the season officially gets underway in Estonia. Gareth Bale and Dani Carvajal both had a fantastic game as they both played a little way into the second half.
Keylor Navas showed the Madrid faithful that he has no intention of losing his starting position as he was forced to make some big-time saves off of set pieces and on a couple of breakaways.
Marcelo, despite dribbling around players on a few occasions, looked rusty in his passing. The Brazilian fullback will always have his jaw-dropping pace and great foot skills, but his passing and link up with his teammates looked a bit off.
Sergio Reguillon came on in the second half and seemed to try a little too hard. His defensive pressure was good and he stopped Suso attacking down the flank several times, but going forward he was out of control.
He was trying to take shots and dribble through defenders like Isco but couldn’t seem to get it right. Maybe making his debut at the Bernabéu was weighing on his mind as he tried to prove himself to the fans in his first senior team appearance.
Real will now have Sunday off before boarding the plane for Estonia on Monday. The final preparations for the match will take place in Tallinn on Monday evening and Tuesday.