Despite it being only a preseason match, Real Madrid and Arsenal played a stunning 90 minutes and penalty shootout in Landover, Maryland. Here are some quick reaction notes from the second match of the International Champions Cup.
After receiving a beating against Bayern Munich, Real Madrid went down 2-0 to Arsenal and looked on its way to another lazy looking effort in the United States.
However, an inspiring effort from Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio helped Los Blancos come from behind and win 3-2 on penalties.
These are three players who impressed and who struggled for Zizou and Madrid!
Players who impressed
Gareth Bale
The outcast at Real Madrid, Gareth Bale, came on just after halftime and was more engaged and influential than many fans predicted. The Welsh forward who has been rumored to be on his way to China was brought on by Zinedine Zidane and managed to score the opening goal for Real as he tucked away a rebound right in front of goal.
Making several threatening runs forward playing as the lone center forward, the number 11 looked to be trying to prove a point as he moved and passed the ball as if it were a true competitive match.
He nearly scored a second just past the hour mark after a great cross from Vinícius Júnior with the outside of his boot, but a great save from Martinez denied him. Bale drifted out wide on a couple of occasions to try and help in the build up and it was a treat to watch.
Instead of passing the ball around aimlessly, Bale was focused and held the Arsenal defense accountable. He also contributed by clearing what looked like an easy goal for the Gunners off the goal line as Thibaut Courtois was left sprawling.
His only big mistake was his penalty to open the shootout which he kicked softly right at the keeper. While his fate in Spain might already be decided, it was a good performance from the Welsh player.
Marco Asensio
After a quiet performance in Houston over the weekend, the Spanish forward came on in the second half after Lucas Vazquez started on the right wing and was crucial in setting up both of Real Madrid’s goals.
His inter-play with Marcelo and Isco set up the goal from Bale and his positioning and bending left-footed shot into the top corner was too much for the Arsenal keeper to handle.
His confidence when stepping up into the play and crossing the ball was fantastic in his short appearance Tuesday night. Unfortunately, Marco was stretched off the pitch in the 65th minute after appearing to tweak his knee.
Asensio was in clear pain as he fell to the turf and the injury appeared to be serious. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that it is not.
Marcelo
It was truly a relief to see the Brazilian back to himself in this match. Another halftime substitute, Marcelo was responsible on defense and picked up a classy assist on the Asensio second goal.
The number 12 sported the captain’s armband after Sergio Ramos was taken off in the 65th minute and was a true leader in this back and forth match. Marcelo did everything he was supposed to and looked quite energetic.
Although Ferland Mendy looked solid again in his 45 minutes of action, Marcelo proved to fans and media critics that he is not going to relinquish his starting spot to the up and coming French fullback.
Players who struggled
Nacho Fernandez
This has to be a record for one of the worst performance’s in a friendly. Nacho Fernandez started over Raphael Varane against Arsenal and managed to stay on the pitch for less than10 minutes!
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As hard as it is to believe, the Spanish center back kicked Kolasinac right in the stomach and received a first yellow card five minutes in. Just four minutes later, Nacho committed a clear handball to block a goal in the box and was sent off.
This not only forced Real Madrid down a goal early, but forced Zinedine Zidane to pull off striker Luka Jovic for Varane just a few minutes after the incident.
Nacho deserves to be benched for a match or two after this showing. Overall, an abysmal showing from the veteran defender.
Karim Benzema
The Big Benz needs to be criticized again for the way he performed against Arsenal tonight. Even though Gareth Bale has been under immense pressure and criticism as of late, he managed to score a goal just 11 minutes after making his first appearance in the preseason.
Benzema has played 90 minutes now and has failed to convert on several opportunities and clear cut chances. In Landover, the French striker couldn’t head home what looked like a certain goal midway through the first half.
His link up through the midfield was not as good as usual and Zidane should be disappointed with the way the number nine performed.
Vinícius Júnior
Something seems off with the Brazilian prodigy to start the new campaign. After a full summer off and getting back to 100 percent after his serious ankle injury, fans have been waiting for Vinicius to show once again that he is ready to become a Real Madrid legend.
He has been rather quiet in his two appearances thus far even though he has managed to get a solid amount of touches.
If Marco Asensio is indeed out for an extended period of time, Vinicius will be called upon much more and could solidify himself as a regular under Zizou.