Friendly Match (6): Guangzhou Evergrande 1-7 Real Madrid

Six victories out of six preseason games. Real Madrid’s preseason tour of the US, Europe, and China have been impeccable. There is only one last test remaining; the match against Tianjin on Saturday before the end of the tour and a week before the Spanish Supercup clash with Barcelona. Throughout this tour, Real Madrid have demonstrated that they are a solid and a complete team thanks to the reinforcements that have been made to the squad this summer.

Real Madrid players after score a goal 

As was expected from the arrival of Real Madrid in China, the game was a feast of football for those who were present in the Tianhe Olympic Stadium despite of the intense heat and humidity which was close to 80%. There were 50,000 spectators and they supported the Whites more than the local team during the match.

Just six minutes after the kick-off, Sami Khedira sent the stadium wild when he opened the scoring as he headed home a fantastic cross from Karim Benzema. It was his first goal in a Real Madrid shirt.

The locals, who were ambitious, physically strong, and dangerous, tried to score an equalizer. Muriqui was their best player. The very fast Brazilian threatened Casillas’ goal on more than one occasion. However, Cristiano could have scored a second for Madrid in the 25th minute but his strike went over the bar. Five minutes later, Ozil scored a brilliant goal following a smart pass from Khedira. By the 38th minute, it was already 0-3 thanks to a powerful shot from Karim Benzema who has been unstoppable in the preseason so far. Cristiano was so close to scoring the Whites’ fourth goal but he was denied by the crossbar.

During half-time, Mourinho made his first substitution as he sent Alvaro Arbeloa on for Sergio Ramos. And it took Benzema only three minutes after the start of the second half to score his second and the team’s fourth goal of the night. The fans cheered whenever Ronaldo received the ball and wanted him to score; it didn’t take him that long as he netted the team’s fifth from an amazing back-heel.

After Ronaldo’s goal, Mourinho made eight substitutions: Kaka, Coentrao, Higuain, Nacho, Albiol, Varane, Adan & Di Maria all came on for Callejon, Khedira, Ronaldo, Ozil, Marcelo, Benzema, Alonso and Casillas. With 30 minutes remaining before the final whistle, the locals were looking to score a goal of honor but they failed to capitalize on their chances. After Ronaldo left the pitch, Kaka became the fans’ favorite and they chanted his name in the stands.

Due to the many changes in both teams, the intensity of the match decreased, but Real Madrid kept ball possession and were looking to score more goals. Mourinho decided to send in Castilla player Jese who only needed 20 seconds to get on the score-sheet thanks to an exceptional individual effort by Di Maria. Another brilliant goal, 0-6.

Di Maria was a constant danger for the locals and managed to score his first goal with Real Madrid this season in the 83rd minute. And just 3 minutes before the final whistle, Guangzhou were finally able to score against the whites to make it 1-7 and get their fans excited.

Real Madrid still have one more game to play in China before returning to Spain. They will face Tianjin on Saturday.

Summary

Stadium: Tianhe Olympic Stadium
Attendance: 50,000
Goals: 0-1 Khedira min. 7, 0-2 Özil min. 31, 0-3 Benzema min. 39, 0-4 Benzema min. 50, 0-5 Cristiano Ronaldo min. 57, 0-6 Jesé min. 72, 0-7 Di Maria min. 85, 1-7 Yang Yihu min. 88,