Agencies
MADRID, AUGUST 19
Real Madrid ended their pre-season tour with a victory as Marcelo pulled off a stunner in the last 10 minutes of play. The Spanish side played eight games against some Europe’s top teams in the wake of the preparation for the upcoming season. They recorded comprehensive victories against Manchester City and Inter Milan but failed to score in half of their fixtures.
Rafael Benitez got off to a winning start on his home debut as Real Madrid manager. The Spaniard took over his new assignment on June 3, 2015 after the sacking of Carlo Ancelotti. He has a lot of work to do with the team combination as the club failed to retain Champions League as well as the Copa del Rey last season. La Liga giants faced further disappointment when they finished the league two points behind champions Barcelona.
Real Madrid went ahead in the 17th minute when defender Nacho Fernandez rose highest in the penalty area and nodded into the net from a Luka Modric corner. The Netherlands international Wesley Sneijder scored the equalizer for the visitors just eight minutes into the second half. The fans booed their side and they clapped when former Madrid midfielder Sneijder was substituted.Despite of the strong line-up, the world’s richest club struggled against the Turkish champions. Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo disappointed the fans as they failed primary goal scoring opportunities. Ronaldo, in particular, squandered one glorious chance before the interval and later let the ball slip from his feet on the touchline with no players around him. The Brazilian left-back Marcelo produced some genuine quality as he dribbled past three to wrap up the game. Marcelo’s effort saved Benitez and his teammates from further punishment from the crowd. This victory will boost the team’s confidence before Los Blancos kick-off their La Liga campaign away to Sporting Gijon.
