Real Madrid lost 3-2 on penalties against Inter Milan in their opening pre-season match after the two teams had played out a 1-1 draw at the California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley.
Los Blancos, taking to the field for the first time since the Champions League final in May, were looking to get off to a good start in the International Challenge Cup. But with a host of first team players missing, the experimental side was made up on many of the Real Madrid Castilla players who were invited on tour, including de Tomas, Diego Llorente, Lucas Vazquez and Alvaro Medran.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team started the brighter of the two and in the 11th minute of the game Gareth Bale gave the 10-time Champions League winners the lead with another goal to add to his collection of wonder goals.
The Welshman picked up the ball and Inter failed to close him down properly, allowing him the chance to send an left-footed rocket into the back of the net from 30 yards. It could well be hard to score a better goal than that all season.
Both teams looked rusty after the holidays and chances were at a premium. In the second half, the Italians grew into the game, and were rewarded for their hard work when they were awarded a penalty in the 68th minute. New boy Nemanja Vidic was adjudged to have been brought down by Ruben Sobrino. Mauro Icardi stepped up and converted the spot kick.
Both teams had chances to snatch a winner in the final 10 minutes, with Omar Mascarell going close for Los Blancos. But the match ended as a draw, and the Italians held their nerve better in the shoot-out (there was no extra-time).
When Mascarell sent his spot kick over the bar with the teams level at 2-2, Icardi had the chance to win the points for his side, and duly did just that, converting his second penalty of the game.
Why was Bale replaced Half Time did he have a Knock ?