The game started under a tropical heat and continued to getting hotter, as Real’s players put on the heat against an English team suffering from the hot weather, lack of fitness or simply not enough talent in the squad.

Real Madrid entered the match having only conceded once in their pre-season games (that loss came on penalties vs La Roma, following a 0-0 draw)  and  they seemed determinate to continue this good stat. Los Blancos started the game without Christiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema both of them injured, but they could have scored twice during the first ten minutes (Jese smashed the crossbar and  got a smart save from Michel Vorn). The Colombian International had only  just returned from injury, but he was able to find space inside the Spurs danger area and take good advantage of it.  James Rodriguez’ header broke the deadlock, but Benitez’ players could have done better than 1-0 in the first half even if they lacked precision in their final ball.

The second’s half performance was a bit slow, maybe because of the subs coming in, eight for the La Liga team. Nevertheless, Gareth Bale former Spurs hero, assured the win scoring 10 minutes from time.

Having played only one official  pre-season game (defeat 2-1 against MLS, the other games were behind closed doors), nobody was sure of what to expect from the English team. Even with  an impressive 56% possession against one of the best European clubs, there were too many sloppy passes to create some good chances and Harry Kane was far too isolated + well marked by Raphael Varane to take advantage of the final ball.The London side really need another striker before this transfer window closes the 1st of September. Eric Lamela’s miss in the first minutes (3rd)of the game was awful, firing high and wide, Danny Rose’s beautiful cross.

Tottenham made six changes during the second half giving a chance to some youngsters to enjoy a game versus some big shots of the European football. During the second period Tottenham’s young squad kept well the ball outside the Real Madrid box but they were enable to breach Los Blancos  compact back line. Rafa Benitez’s work, at his best !

Real Madrid doubled the score in the 79th minute and put an end to any speculation; Gareth Bale’s long range effort got in, but Hugo Lloris’ deputy should have done better; poor goalkeeping from the Dutchman. Bale’s goal, was expected by both set of fans; when it came the Welsh International refused to celebrate, but he was happy and it showed loud and clear. The former Spur player was delighted to retrieve his favorite post in central attack.

Spurs will play a second game against Milan AC for the third or fourth place of the tournament and afterwards , if they can change their flying schedule, they’ll try to return to England immediately. Still the question remains: was it wise to play two full games just days before the kick-up of the new season?  Tottenham will have a tough game away versus Manchester United,  but some performances as Delle Alli’s (aged 19)sure pleased the Argentine coach and gave some reasons to believe in a better future for the Spurs faithful.

Here’s something to cherish, Spurs Fans! #AlwaysTheBest

Categories: Analysis, opinion

Tags: Audi Cup 2015, Audi Cup Real Madrid, Audi Cup Tottenham