Real Madrid, the reigning European and Spanish champions, and Club America played to a 2-2 draw in a friendly matchup at Oracle Park in San Francisco. Karim Benzema scored a world-class goal in his first preseason match.
After a spirited opening from the Mexican side, Club America took the lead, but Benzema equalized with a low curler after quick combination play. Eden Hazard came in for the Frenchman at halftime after he had played the entire first half.
With the addition of Hazard, Real Madrid fielded a completely new lineup in the second half, which resulted in a score of 2-2 after penalty kicks were split. To open the scoring, Real Madrid's Hazard scored a penalty kick after right back teammate Lucas Vazquez was brought down inside the area of play by an opponent.
But with only eight minutes left, Alvaro Fidalgo, a former Real Madrid youth product, dribbled into the box and was brought down by the keeper, earning a penalty that he calmly put away. After seeing his first shot saved, he scored on the ensuing retake because Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin had strayed far from his line.
In the final 15 minutes, Real Madrid had numerous scoring chances, but Club America's goalkeeper Oscar Jimenez was up to the challenge, including stopping David Alaba's game-winning penalty kick. The score remained knotted at two goals apiece thanks to a spectacular save by Jimenez.
Club America had previously lost 2-1 to both Chelsea and Manchester City in recent friendlies, so this victory was sweet redemption. In Liga MX, where it has started the season with only one win in four matches, it will look to carry some of the game's momentum into this weekend's match against Leon.
After their final preseason friendly against Juventus in the United States, Real Madrid will turn their attention to the UEFA Super Cup, where they will face the winners of the Europa League, Eintracht Frankfurt (Aug. 10).
Benzema's goal-scoring ways have resumed
With almost all of the same players returning, Real Madrid is unlikely to deviate from the strategy that led to their double-crown success last season. As long as their star players make the big plays on both sides of the ball when it matters most, they won't worry about outplaying the competition.
After turning 35 in December, Karim Benzema will still be a key cog in the attack. After only 22 minutes of play, he scored on a beautiful strike in his first preseason game, and he came close to scoring another magnificent goal right before halftime.
The Frenchman is back to wreaking havoc, and he is widely predicted to win the Ballon d'Or at the end of the year. Club America had trouble keeping up with him as he slid all over the attacking front, and his vision and combination play with his teammates made chances appear out of thin air. Benzema has a long way to go this season, but he will undoubtedly contribute significantly.
Ancelotti must make crucial decisions in the center of the field.
In the second half, the trio of Camavinga, Tchouameni, and Ceballos outperformed the veteran trio of Modric, Casemiro, and Kroos. The older players struggled to assert themselves against a feisty American side, but the younger crew made significant offensive contributions and consistently pressed in and around the box. This is the year to start implementing Real Madrid's transition strategy.
The risks still need to be reduced, but progress is being made.
Eden Hazard's confidence will be boosted by his penalty kick goal as he continues his comeback to form as an impact player. It's obvious that filling in for Karim Benzema as the false nine in the second half isn't his strong suit, but the fact that he's giving it a shot anyway is promising.
In the first two preseason games, he has shown a new attitude: he is just getting on with things and working hard. Given his history of injuries, it would be a success if Carlo Ancelotti could coax more production out of him in 2022/23 (he had just one goal and two assists last season).
The Americans in the Club are looking for a challenge.
Club America looked like they belonged on the field in three matches against three teams ranked in the top 10 to win the UEFA Champions League: Chelsea, Manchester City, and Real Madrid. They just lost to Club Tijuana in Liga MX; why are they so inconsistent?
Even though Club America still has some work to do (one of their goal scorers needs to start contributing), the issue is not one of skill or strategy. Las Aguilas' formidable European opponents would have found that out quickly. Fernando "Tano" Ortiz, the manager, may have a more difficult time than expected keeping his team motivated. When they're on, they're among Mexico's best and deepest squads. But will they be able to keep it up for the next 13 Liga MX games?
