After the performance against FC Barcelona, I was looking for specific improvements coming into this game. I wanted a more dominant performance from Real Madrid with the ball, shots on target (because we had 0 on target against Barca) and simultaneously goals. I also wanted to see us continue to play out from the back despite the Militao error. This article will analyze whether those expectations were met and the team performance on a whole.
First Half from Real Madrid
Real Madrid started the game with Lunin; Lucas Vasquez, Nacho, Rudiger, Mendy; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric and Asensio, Benzema and Vini Jr.
The match started with Club America instilling their superior fitness and match sharpness on Real Madrid. They took the lead after just 4 minutes via a defensive gamble from Nacho which broke the defensive line. It’s safe to say we were being dominated for the first 10-15 minutes of the game. There were some individuals (Kroos and Rudiger) who performed well individually, but collectively, we struggled. In the 22nd minute, Benzema picks up the ball in the left half space, plays a 1,2 with Asensio and bends one into the bottom corner. 1-1 on the night thanks to none other than our skipper and leader, Benzema.
Our final ball wasn’t good enough, but Club America defended very well on the night. Our link up play and movement was better than in the match against Barca but most of our players were still looking rusty. Ultimately, the purpose of pre-season is to regain fitness and sharpness so fans shouldn’t over analyze the performances.
Second Half
Camavinga, Militao, Tchouameni, Ceballos, Rodrygo, Hazard, Alaba, Valverde, Vallejo and Vinicius Tobias all entered the pitch for the second half.
We saw a more energetic and intense Real Madrid in the second half. The young midfielders moved the ball around with intent and created many openings with Hazard dropping deep. Lucas Vasquez won a penalty and Hazard tucked it away.
Club America equalized in similar fashion via the former Real Madrid youth player Alvaro Fidalgo. It was a much better team performance and all the individuals put in a shift. Vinicius Tobias also made an impressive debut but unfortunately gave away the penalty. It’s all about learning and I’m sure he’ll bounce back from this.
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