Continuing their preseason preparations stateside, Real Madrid took on Mexican outfit, Club América in front of 40,630 fans at Oracle Park in San Francisco. It’s the latest in a quick succession of matches in our ‘Framed’ series, featuring Europe’s elite ahead of the 22/23 campaign.
Having opened up their preseason tour with a 1-0 defeat to bitter rivals, Barcelona, Real Madrid were keen to get more minutes in the tank with a positive result as they faced Club América. The Mexican side have been heavily involved in European heavyweights’ preseasons, falling 2-1 to Chelsea and then Manchester City. And for a time, it looked as though it may be the same result again, but for a late penalty that ensured a 2-2 finish.
The atmosphere created at Oracle Park by both sets of fans added a nice spark to the game, particularly as clock ticked on in the second half and the sun began to set. Club América took a surprise early lead through Henry Martin, but the class of Ballon d’Or elect, Karim Benzema shone through when the Frenchman played a quick one-two with Marco Asensio on the edge of the box before producing a majestic first-time curling strike past Guillermo Ochoa from 20 yards.
1-1 at halftime and the second half was a tale of two penalties; the first, despatched by Eden Hazard after Lucas Vazquez was fouled. Then former Real Madrid man Alvaro Fidalgo came off the bench for Club América to snatch a draw, converting from the spot after he was fouled.
Honours even, and an entertaining match. Madrid now face Juventus on Sunday, while Club América return to Liga MX action against León on Monday.
Photography by SoccerBible.
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