Real Madrid 4-1 Manchester City: 5 things we learned from Real's International Champions Cup win
Real Madrid pose after winning the International Champions CupIt was a one-sided affair at the MCG in Australia as Real Madrid cruised past Manchester City with a 4-1 victory to claim the International Champions Cup trophy thus concluding their pre-season campaign on a high note.Karim Benzema opened the scoring for Los Blancos in the 21st minute and the lead was doubled by Cristiano Ronaldo four minutes later who chipped the ball over City goalkeeper Joe Hart, after Toni Kroos superbly picked out the winger with a precise aerial through pass.City’s woes increased just before half-time as Pepe headed home Real’s third goal after Isco’s delivery from the corner wasn’t dealt with by the relatively inexperienced defense of City.However, during the stoppage time of the first half, City were offered a penalty by the referee who penalised Sergio Ramos for handling the ball which may or may not have been inside the 18-yeard-area. Toure stepped up and slotted home City’s only goal of the game. The second half saw the introduction of several substitutions as Real continued to dominate the play. Just before the final quarter of the game, Isco set up Cheryshev for a tap in and the Russian made no mistake and gave Real a 4-1 lead. From there on, there was no coming back for City as the La Liga outfit clinched the title in a convincing manner.Here are five things we learned from the game.
#1 Karim Benzema crucial towards Rafa Benitez\'s plans
Although there has been no clarity on how manager Rafa Benitez is going to set his team up for the upcoming season or on what his tactics will be, one thing which is quite apparent is the fact that Karim Benzema still has a pivotal role to play in Madrid’s attack.
The French international has often been frustrating when it comes to converting chances in crucial moments. Over the past six seasons, there have been several instances where the 26-year-old failed to deliver and squandered chances which could have yielded different results for his team.
However, many tend to forget the fact that Benzema offers more than just goals and that he is vital for Real’s strikeforce. His ability to hold the play, link up with fellow attackers, run into spaces and create for his teammates alongside his finishing attribute makes him an invaluable figure in Madrid’s squad.
And that was exactly what Benzema brought in against City. He was all over the pitch in the opposition‘s half, linking up well with Ronaldo, Bale and Marcelo. His perfectly placed volley gave Real the lead and until he was taken off, the ex-Lyon striker was a constant headache for City’s defenders.
Looking at how things stand now, Benzema is very well a part of Benitez’s plans and it would be unwise of the Capital club to let him leave in this transfer window.