Real Madrid 5-3 Fenerbahce
Real Madrid finally got a much-needed pre-season win under their belts as they bagged third place in the Audi Cup by winning over Fenerbahce, 5-3.
It was an attacking masterpiece for both clubs as they’ve traded goals one after another. However, it was Karim Benzema who shone the brightest after he completed a hat trick.
More importantly, Zinedine Zidane’s wishes of ending the pocket tournament with a victory finally came into fruition, especially after suffering dismal losses lately from Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid.
Fenerbahce threatened to steal this game away from Los Blancos after a quick goal to start. But the latter fought back and seized control, showing much better fitness and intensity.
Overall, both of these clubs put on some of the best Audi Cup 2019 highlights for the fans in this game as they prepare for their respective seasons.
SBOBET takes a look at what happened in this goal-laden matchup.
Highlights of the game
Real Madrid’s Audi Cup 2019 odds of winning the bronze took a hit early on when Fenerbahce forward Garry Rodrigues fired in a goal past Keylor Navas from the left side of the box under the match’s first six minutes.
The Turkish club almost went up 2-0 when Kadioglu’s cross gave way for a header. This time, Navas made sure to block that one away successfully for Real Madrid.
Karim Benzema leveled a draw after a miscommunication on defence by Fenerbahce. And then a few minutes later, the French striker did it again after a wonderful Tom Kroos’ right-wing cross off of a free kick. Los Blancos finally took a 2-1 lead.
Eden Hazard, who has been lacklustre as of late for Zinedine Zidane, tried to make an impact with good efforts for chances. However, Fenerbahce’s defence was too shrewd for that.
After a quick attack by the Turkish club, Nabil Dirar’s shot went through the legs of Real defender Alvaro Odriozola and the ball went over the outstretched arms of Keylor Navas. The first half ended with a draw at 2-2.
The second half became a one-sided affair with Los Blancos taking control of the pace for the most part. Zinedine Zidane made some key lineup changes that have turned the tides in favor for Real Madrid.
Lucas Vazquez was one of those substitutes that paid dividends for the club. The winger’s beautiful cross volleyed over Fenerbahce’s defenders and Karim Benzema converted a header that hit the back of the net, completing his hat trick for the match less than 60 minutes.
Viniscus Junior’s lovely pass almost made it through the goal for Real, but Isco’s touch narrowly missed the target. That could’ve been the dagger for Los Blancos.
Fenerbahce’s Ozan Tufan answered back right after that – with an impressive rightie long-range strike to score their third goal of the match. However, it was the last one for them.
Goals continued to rain with Real Madrid adding two more. At the 62nd minute, Nacho chipped in another score after a deflection by Altay Bayindir. The Real Madrid skipper blazed past Fenerbahce’s unsuspecting defenders, much to the dismay of Bayindir.
To round out the match, Mariano pumped in the match’s penultimate goal after another save by Altay Bayindir. The ball went straight to Mariano’s foot unfortunately after Lucas Vazquez missed his opportunity.
The duo of Nacho and Mariano created more goal scoring chances for Los Blancos, but the game ended 5-3 despite the high-octane offence shown by both teams.
“I know we will turn this around and have a very good season. Nobody likes to concede three goals, but we won scoring five, and it could have been more,” said Zidane in the post-match press conference.
Key statistics
All in all, Real Madrid’s offence was firing on all cylinders in this match – with 26 shots total and 17 shots on target.
However, their defence needs work as they’ve now conceded 16 total goals in their last five warm up games.
Fenerbahce’s loss against Real was only their second straight loss in their last six matches, and this was the game where they’ve conceded the highest amount of goals.
The Turkish club committed fewer infractions with only 10 fouls and two offsides.
What’s next?
Real Madrid heads to Austria next Wednesday and they’ll face RB Salzburg for their last pre-season match. They will kick off the La Liga on August 17 against Celta Vigo in Balaidos.
Meanwhile, Fenerbahce will return home to face Serie A club Cagliari over at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium next week in a club friendly.
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