Delph blow on Man City start

Manchester City were mercilessly swept aside by a rampant Real Madrid in Melbourne, Australia, as the two sides met in the pre-season global Champions Cup tournament.

World footballer of the year Ronaldo showcased his sublime skills and was among the goalscorers as Real ripped apart the 2014 English Premier League champions in a blistering first-half performance before more than 99,000 fans at the vast stadium.

“The team dynamic is really good”.

Manchester United have been forced into action after Paris Saint-Germain decided to make the first move in the battle to sign Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.

It was 2-0 three minutes later when Ronaldo brought under control Toni Kroos’ pinpoint long-ball before volleying home with his second touch.

Yaya Toure would pull a goal back for City from the spot with the last kick of the half although replays suggest the referee was wrong to give a penalty against Sergio Ramos as he was outside the box when he handled the ball.

45+4′ – GOAL! Real Madrid 3-1 Manchester City: A lifeline for City as Ramos is harshly adjudged to have handled inside the box when it clearly looked outside. “The team is going to get stronger, we’ll be fitter and ready for the new season“.

Those reports have been revived this summer after Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has been replaced by Rafa Benitez.

He added: “People are asking me about different players that maybe we will buy and I always say the same thing, “he’s not our player, I will not talk about that”.

After the break, Real went close twice in quick succession around the hour mark when Ronaldo nearly played in Isco with a one-two before the Portuguese playmaker burst into the box and fancy footwork nearly undid the City defence with a shot that crept wide.

City’s night was further soured when new signing Fabian Delph injured his left hamstring and was carried off after just 18 minutes.

Ramos is now in China as part of Real’s preseason tour.

Joe Hart got a hand to the reigning World Player of the Year’s shot but was unable to prevent it from crossing the line.