Marcelo fires Real to victory

It started with the man who had led the club to a 10th European Cup just 12 months earlier, Carlo Ancelotti, being sent on his way, with the club turning to former Real Madrid player and B Team coach, Rafa Benitez. There’s nothing wrong with his stats, given that the Welsh has scored 39 goals and delivered 31 assists over 92 appearances.

Benitez, though, insisted that all his forward players will have freedom to move so there won’t be a drastic change to Bale’s positioning compared to his first two seasons in Madrid.

For Sporting Gijon, meanwhile, Sunday’s meeting with Real Madrid is a grand way to make a return to La Liga after a three-season absence.

Spain keeper David De Gea is widely expected to join from Manchester United but Benitez declined to confirm whether a deal would happen.

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.

It has been claimed that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is willing to spend even more than the £42.5million he splashed out to take Mesut Ozil from Real in order to capture Benzema.

Real Madrid could have had a penalty in the final quarter of the first half after defender Sergio Alvarez brought down Ronaldo who was on the verge of meeting a delivery aimed towards him.

Dedicated to the memory of Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid’s president for 35 years from 1943 to 1978, Santiago Bernabeu Trophy is a friendly tournament held by Real Madrid each year during the pre-season period.

All summer new manager Rafa Benitez has stressed that his team will play attacking football, essentially fulfilling his obligation, but on every occasion it’s always come with a caveat: We need to defend attentively, too.

“But when the Champions League and Cup games arrive the demands will be the same”. His desire to play in the most congested part of the pitch, where his powerful running with the ball is hindered by a lack of space, is puzzling.

Jese, playing in Benzema’s absence, and Isco also produced unremarkable efforts before in the 33rd minute, Cristiano Ronaldo, who may yet suffer as a effect of Bale’s new position, produced a 25-yard shot that Cuellar comfortably saved.

“Bale behind the striker?”