Inter Milan vs Real Madrid. International Champions Cup.
Tianhe Stadium.
Monday 27 July 2015 16:17, UK
Real Madrid continued their fine pre-season form with a straightforward 3-0 victory over Inter Milan in the International Champions Cup in China.
In sweltering conditions in Guangzhou, Real created the better chances in the first half and took a deserved lead when Jese Rodriguez struck on the half-hour mark.
Inter failed to build on their strong end to the first half as Real – freshened up by four half-time changes – doubled their lead on 56 minutes through substitute Raphael Varane.
James Rodriguez was brought on for his first pre-season appearance with 10 minutes to play and sealed Real's victory in emphatic style with a stunning 35-yard free-kick a minute from time.
Inter’s turgid pre-season form continues, with the Nerazzurri extending their wait for a first pre-season goal by firing another blank in the Tianhe Stadium.
The game, however, had started in much better fashion to which it had ended for the Serie A side as both sides flew out of the blocks in a lively start to proceedings.
Having made 11 changes to the side which lost 1-0 to AC Milan on Saturday, Inter had a glorious opportunity to open the scoring with just two minutes on the clock, but Mauro Icardi failed to head Hernanes’ cross home from close range.
Gareth Bale then had two chances in quick succession, the first of which were saved by Samir Handanvoic before he dragged a second effort wide of the target in an end-to-end opening five minutes.
Real were then denied of numerous occasions by an inspired display from the Inter ‘keeper. Having denied Bale early on, the Slovenia international thwarted Cristiano Ronaldo twice, getting a finger to a low effort on 15 minutes before tipping a long-range free kick over the bar shortly after.
He was called into action on 20 minutes when he produced a fine double save, parrying Isco’s volley from the edge of the area out before stopping Jese from converting the rebound.
However, his resistance was soon breached as Jese gathered Marcelo’s cross with one touch, cut inside Jeison Murillo with the other and then produced a smart finish to beat Handanovic at his near post on 29 minutes.
Inter ended the half the stronger of the two sides but Mateo Kovacic’s mazy run and shot and Hernanes’ quick free kick failed to catch Kaylor Navas off guard as he ensured Real’s lead at the break with two decent saves.
Rafa Benitez rang the changes at the break, with Varane, Denis Cheryshev, Kiko Casilla, and Nacho replacing Bale, Ronaldo, Navas and Sergio Ramos.
Freshened by the changes Real soon doubled their lead. Varane remained up field after a corner and showed great attacking prowess to nick in front of Inter captain Andrea Ranocchia at the near post before steering Isco’s cross into the back of the net.
As full time approached substitutions from both managers altered the fast-flowing nature of the game, until James produced a moment of sheer brilliance.
Having seen a free-kick well saved by Handanovic moments before, the Colombia international left the Inter stopper helpless as he wrapped an inch-perfect effort around the wall and into the top left-hand corner to seal the victory.
