A late Danilo strike ensured that Real Madrid ended their pre-season tour of the United States with a 0-1 win over Bayern Munich. It was the second victory in as many games for Los Blancos who take on fellow La Liga side Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup this coming Tuesday.
The champions of Europe struggled to match their German counterparts for much of the first half, as Bayern did most of the pressing. The first big chance fell to Real Madrid transfer target David Alaba who showed just what he was capable of when clattering the woodwork with a free kick on 25 minutes. Moments later, Kiko Casilla was called into action as he saved Julian Green’s shot after a cross from Juan Bernat. The 29-year-old stopper was in the thick of it again 12 minutes before the interval, this time pushing away a long-range effort from Thiago.
Having weathered the storm, Real Madrid looked much better after the interval but it took until almost 60 minutes before they fashioned a clear-cut chance. Marcelo did well to win possession midway inside Bayern’s half and drove forward before finding Morata in space on the left of the penalty area. The striker cut inside but curled a shot beyond the far post of Bayern goalkeeper Ulreich. That seemed to kick start the game for Zinedine Zidane’s side and moments later Isco had Ulreich scrambling with a 25 yard curler which struck the post.
Heading into the final 15 minutes it was beginning to look like a penalty shoot-out was on the cards but Danilo took matters into his own hands. Having come on as a substitute for Dani Carvajal with half an hour to play, the right-back was full of running. He surged up the right-flank unimpeded, then used the space he had created to cut inside and fire a 25 yard effort past the bamboozled Ulreich.
Although Bayern Munich were missing a few key players themselves, the fact that Real Madrid won this match without the ‘big 3’ up-front can be seen as a positive. Cristiano Ronaldo is still recovering from injury, Karim Benzema is still struggling for fitness and Gareth Bale is on extended leave after Euro 2016. The latter is expected to meet up with the squad tomorrow, having kept up his fitness while on holiday with a view to taking part at Lerkendal Stadion in 5 day’s time.
