Real Madrid thrash Manchester City at MCG

Real Madrid thrashed Premier League side Manchester City 4-1 in front of a record attendance at the MCG in Melbourne in their second game of pre-season.

Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe and Denis Cheryshev all grabbed a goal each for the 10-time Champions League winners, while Yaya Toure, a former Barcelona man, got on the scoresheet for City. The game was played in front of 99,382 spectators – the highest figure for a football matched played at the iconic Australian sports ground.

New Real boss Rafa Benitez named a strong line up that included Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Benzema. For City, ex-Los Blancos boss Manuel Pellegrini included David Silva, Samir Nasri and new signing Raheem Sterling.

It was the La Liga side who looked more comfortable on the ball in the opening exchanges and they deservedly took the lead through Frenchman Benzema in the 21st minute. The 27-year-old, subject of interest from Arsenal, hooked a volley over his shoulder into the net after meeting Bale’s cross.

Just four minutes later, Ronaldo doubled Madrid’s lead and collecting a long ball from Kross. Los Blancos found themselves further ahead just before the break when Pepe found space in the box to head past England keeper Joe Hart, but City pulled one back in first half stoppage time.

After the break, City couldn’t turn the tide in their favour and fell further behind just after the 70th minute when Russian Cheyshev tapped in after good work from Isco.