Real Madrid 2-1 AS Roma
Real Madrid have quickly found their “new” Batman in Gareth Bale.
After the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, much of the talk in Real Madrid has been about who would replace the vain talisman in the team’s frontline. Fans, however, didn’t have to wait long to find one as Ronaldo’s best replacement has been in front of them all along.
Bale showed everyone he’s ready to take the challenge as the team’s primary scorer, leading them once again as they close out their ICC 2018 US tour with a nice win over AS Roma.
That means back-to-back victories for Real Madrid after losing their opener against Manchester United, with Bale scoring a goal each in their last two outings in the tournament.
Highlights of the game
Bale scored one and assisted on the other as Real Madrid took down the Giallorossi at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. It was a spectacular outing for the once-disgruntled Welshman who needed less than two minutes to make an impact for the Madrid giants.
The game, which was delayed due to heavy downpour, saw both sides field a strong Starting XI. Julen Lopetegui started Bale alongside Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Isco, Toni Kroos, Sergio Ramos and Nacho, with first-choice keeper Keylor Navas between the sticks.
Roma, for their part, started with a core group that featured Edin Dzeko, Stephan El Shaarawy, Diego Perotti, Daniele De Rossi and Aleksandar Kolarov.
Sure enough, it was Real Madrid who got off to a good start, thanks to no other than Bale who provided a spectacular assist to Asensio for their opener.
With Roma still starting to settle into the game, Bale didn’t waste any time and took advantage of their opponents’ defensive lapses. Under two minutes into the match, the 29-year-old forward made a long pinpoint pass to Asensio who then controlled the ball well and calmly fired home past keeper Robin Olsen.
Bale then took matters on his own hands, scoring the team’s second in the 15th minute. He was the recipient of a Dani Carvajal long ball down the right flank and made sure to convert from it, cutting inside the box and firing home across the goal amid tight defence from Ivan Marcano.
What followed was an exchange that saw only a few scoring opportunities, though there was an instance that both sides called for penalties. Real Madrid, nonetheless, held on and finished the half without conceding a goal.
As usual, the second half saw a series of substitutions that slowed down the flow of the game. Los Blancos, however, managed to control proceedings behind Dani Ceballos and summer signing Vinicius Junior.
Both players were unlucky not to add a third for the La Liga giants, with Ceballos’ shot blocked and Vinicius Junior’s effort from 20 yards sailing wide and over the bar.
Roma were then gifted an easy goal on 82 minutes after a Real Madrid clearance error. Lorenzo Pellegrini made a long throw-in into the penalty area and Los Blancos failed to clear it properly as the ball trickled to the unmarked Kevin Strootman.
Strootman’s goal was a little bit late though, with Roma failing to turn around the ICC 2018 odds the way they did against Barcelona.
Key statistics
Real Madrid dominated possession and could have won by more. According to ESPN statistics, Los Blancos had a total of 16 shots, seven of which were on target, while Roma only had two clear-cut chances on goal.
Much of the credit can be given to Real Madrid’s defence though. With Ramos back in the Madrid fold, the backline got a much-needed boost. And so it proved as Real virtually shut down Eusebio Di Francesco’s side in the first half.
In fact, the only chance that Roma had in the opening 45 minutes was a Dzeko strike in the ninth minute that went straight to Navas.
Bale, on the other hand, finished Real Madrid’s tour with two goals and one assist. He played a total of 149 minutes, even providing one of the best ICC 2018 highlights with his stunning half-volley in their 3-1 win against Juventus.
What’s next?
Real Madrid return to regular programming next week as they face Europa League winners Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup. SBOBET have the Champions League winners as the slight favourites to come out on top, and it’s not that surprising if you consider their recent performances.
Roma, meanwhile, head straight to Serie A in a couple of weeks. They are scheduled to open the new season against Torino.
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