Whether it’s a Champions League final or a preseason game, when you see Bayern Munich facing Real Madrid, it’s always worth checking out. Add to that a debut for a certain Mr E Hazard for Los Blancos, and that was enough to secure our attendance.
The International Champions Cup continued in the States, with the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas playing host as Bayern Munich and Real Madrid went through their preseason paces. Being that it was on his doorstep, it was no major surprise to see Houston Rockets Point Guard, James Harden in attendance. He’s embraced his inner football fan this summer, culminating in buying a stake in local team Houston Dynamo. But with earlier pictures showing him hanging out with friend Serge Gnabry and the Bayern squad, it’s clear where his support was lying as the European heavyweights went at it.
As is often expected with these types of games, most outfield players only saw 45 minutes of action. But that was enough time for Corentin Tolisso to make his mark as he continued his return from injury. The bouncing crowd displayed plenty of energy, living up to the stadium’s name, and they were rewarded by a moment of sublime quality from Robert Lewandowski in the second half. The Pole controlled a long ball as it dropped over his shoulder before a tight pivot and strike that found the bottom corner. Finishing of the finest order.
Serge Gnabry added a third before Bayern keeper Sven Ulreich saw red when he took down the on rushing Rodrygo. The young Brazilian dusted himself off to blast home a stunning free kick; as consolations go, it wasn’t bad. And that was that, Houston and Harden well entertained as the preseason procession rolls on to it’s next destination.
Photography by Jared Martinez for SoccerBible.
