Advertisement

Updated August 9th, 2018 at 18:31 IST

Real Madrid defeat Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus in International Champions Cup

Real Madrid prove that they have life without Cristiano Ronaldo following their 3-1 win over the Portugese's new club Juventus in the International Champions Cup

Reported by: Narayan R
| Image:self
Advertisement

Real Madrid prove that they have life without Cristiano Ronaldo following their 3-1 win over the Portugese's new club Juventus in the International Champions Cup. The Spanish club had sold their prized asset to the Italian giants in July, which prompted many to believe it will be the downfall of the reigning UEFA Champions League winners.

But all those doubts were put to rest with a energetic display in the pre-season friendly. Under new head coach Julen Lopetegui, the youngsters, spearheaded by Ronaldo's supposed heir Gareth Bale, put in a masterclass against the Seria A champions.

There was no Ronaldo in attendance to witness the new era of Real Madrid. It was Juventus who took the lead in the 12th minute, after Dani Carvajal deflected the ball into his own net. But after the goal, the Spanish club dominated the proceedings.

Bale, who has earmarked by his coach to fill the void left behind by Ronaldo, equalized with a brilliant strike in the 39th minute. Dani Ceballos in the middle of the park did well, and the ball reached to Bale. The Welshman took one touch and hit a powerful half volley past a hapless Wojciech Szczesny.

At half time, both the teams made numerous changes, but it was the substitutions of Real which made huge difference. In the 46th minute, two future stars of the club combined to give their team the lead. Marco Asensio played the ball out on the wing to Vinicius. The new signing did well out wide, and played a lovely low pass in the box for the onrushing Asension, who finished it with ease.

And the game was put to bed in the 56th minute, with Asensio getting his second. Lucas Vazquez cut inside from the right wing, and found his Spanish teammate with a pass. Asension took a lovely touch in the box, and poked his effort past Szczesny, who somehow allowed the ball to crawl underneath his hands.

The victory, and more importantly, the performance will be a major boost for Real's boss Lopetegui, who will be under pressure to guide Real to success without the services of Cristiano Ronaldo. Earlier this month, the former Spain head coach backed Bale to replace Ronaldo and fill in his position.

Lopetegui insisted that Bale is 'very happy' at Santiago Bernebau and the former Spurs attacker is part of his plans for the upcoming season. The Spaniard also backed the 29-year-old to take on more responsibility this season in Ronaldo's absence,

Advertisement

Published August 5th, 2018 at 13:08 IST

Your Voice. Now Direct.

Send us your views, we’ll publish them. This section is moderated.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Whatsapp logo