Real Madrid 2-1 Galatasaray: Nacho and Marcelo strikes secure Santiago

Tuesday’s 2-1 victory over Galatasaray was somewhat symbolic of Real’s pre-season.

But when asked, he would only say: “Keylor had a great game”. I have very good goalkeepers.

A move for a new striker has been mooted all summer with Benzema believed to be Arsene Wenger’s first-choice target. – Reuters pic, August 17, 2015.In his first season in charge at Real Madrid, Rafa Benitez faces a delicate balancing act between allowing his formidable attack the freedom to perform and preventing opponents exploiting any defensive weakness.

“Logically there will be discussions over Isco, Gareth and James [Rodriguez]”, Benitez was quoted as saying post-match by AS.

Last season, the trio scored 100 goals between them: Ronaldo stood out with 61, with Benzema getting 22 and Bale just 17.

“When they told me about Real’s offer, you don’t have any doubts”.

Both sides then made a raft of substitutions, but there was one moment of real quality left to decide the game as Marcelo skipped past three Galatasaray defenders before prodding the ball home at the near post.

Hamzaoğlu did not wish to elaborate on the performance of his players individually, but said he can rely on all 26 without hesitation and would feel comfortable using them in any game.

The full-back ran at Gala’s defence down the left, beating two men on his way to cutting inside before skipping past another and poking a finish past Fernando Muslera.

“Depending on the match, you can take advantage of one or the other”. I am at the biggest club in the world, and that means something special.

Athletic, buoyed by their win in the Spanish Super Cup will look to striker Aritz Aduriz to continue scoring goals, while the club’s fans are excited at young prospects such as Inaki Williams, Sabin Merino and Javi Eraso, who has returned to the club from Leganees. Whoever is here must already be committed and invested.