A friendly tuneup match at Oracle Park in San Francisco between Club America and reigning European and Spanish champions Real Madrid ended 2-2 despite a world-class goal from Karim Benzema.
To their credit, Club America took an early lead after a blistering start by the Mexicans, but Benzema quickly leveled the score with an expertly put low curler following an excellent team move. Eden Hazard came on for the remainder of the half in place of the Frenchman, who had played the whole opening period.
Real Madrid’s second-half lineup was almost entirely different from the one that started the first half, which resulted in a 2-2 draw. After Lucas Vazquez was brought down in the penalty area by a push from Real Madrid teammate Eden Hazard, the Belgian striker scored from the spot to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Former Real Madrid youth product Alvaro Fidalgo got a penalty and then stepped up to convert the penalty himself with eight minutes remaining. After his first shot was stopped, the referee requested a retake because Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin had strayed far off his line.
Even though Real Madrid had many good chances to win it late, Oscar Jimenez kept them all at bay, including a last-gasp chance for David Alaba with 15 minutes left. The 2-2 score was intact thanks to a last-gasp stop by Jimenez.
Club America had previously lost by a combined score of 2-1 to Chelsea and Manchester City in recent friendly. With a matchup against Leon next weekend, it will look to build on its lone win in its first four Liga MX games and acquire some momentum.
Real Madrid will play Juventus in one more preseason friendly in the United States before turning their attention to the first trophy of the season, the UEFA Super Cup against Europa League champions Eintracht Frankfurt (Aug. 10).
Benzema back to scoring goals
At this point, it’s unlikely that Real Madrid would alter their winning ways for the forthcoming season, especially with their squad remaining mostly unaltered. As long as their great players produce big plays on both sides of the ball when it matters most, they won’t be concerned about outplaying the competition.
Karim Benzema, who turns 35 in December, will continue to be a game-changer on the attacking side of the ball. He scored on a beautiful shot after just 22 minutes of his first preseason game, and he came close to adding an even greater goal just before the halftime siren.
One of the most anticipated winners of this year’s Ballon d’Or is back to unleash havoc. Club America had a difficult time keeping up with him on the attacking front, and he and his colleagues were able to generate chances out of nothing. Benzema has a lot more to give this season.
Ancelotti has big decisions to make in midfield
The second half unit of Camavinga-Tchouameni-Ceballos defeated the seemingly inseparable Modric-Casemiro-Kroos seasoned midfield trio. Contrary to the older players who struggled to gain control of the game against a spirited American side, this new generation showed far greater aggression on the offensive end and was frequently found pressing high in and around the penalty area. Real Madrid must begin implementing their transition strategy this year.
Hazard has a ways to go, but signs are positive
Eden Hazard’s penalty kick goal will improve his spirits as he continues to re-establish himself as a key player for Chelsea. In the second half, he was forced to play as a false nine in place of Karim Benzema, and his willingness to do so is encouraging.
In the first two preseason games, he has a new attitude: he’s working hard and getting things done. Ancelotti’s contract and transfer money may not make up for his lack of output in the 2022/23 season, but it would be a success given his injury history if Carlo Ancelotti can get more out of him.
Club America needs a challenge
As a result of their performances against Chelsea, Manchester City, and Real Madrid, Club America appeared to be a legitimate contender for the UEFA Champions League title. In the wake of their defeat by Club Tijuana in the Liga MX, why is the team so inconsistent?
With Club America, it’s not a matter of quality or strategy; they only need one of their goal scorers to step up and deliver. Las Aguilas’ stacked European opponents would have revealed this. That may be Fernando Ortiz’s hardest task, however, as a manager. One of Mexico’s best and deepest teams when they’re in the mood. But will they be able to display it over the next 13 Liga MX matches?
Real Madrid vs. Club America final score
| 1H | 2H | Final | |
| Real Madrid | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Club America | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Goals:
AME — Henry Martin (Miguel Layun) — 5th min.
RMA — Karim Benzema (Marco Asensio) — 22nd min.
RMA — Eden Hazard (penalty) — 55th min.
AME — Alvaro Fidalgo (penalty) — 82nd min.
Real Madrid lineup:
Real Madrid 1st Half (4-3-3, right to left): Lunin (GK) — Vazquez, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy — Modric, Casemiro, Kroos — Asensio, Benzema, Vinicius Jr.
Real Madrid 2nd Half (4-3-3, right to left): Lunin (GK) — Vazquez (Vinicius Tobias), Militao, Rudiger (Vallejo), Alaba — Ceballos, Tchouameni, Camavinga — Valverde, Hazard, Rodrygo
Club America lineup:
Club America 1st Half (4-2-3-1, right to left): Ochoa (Jimenez) (GK) — J. Sanchez, Lara, Caceres, Reyes — Dos Santos, Aquino — Layun, Vinas, Zendejas — Martin
Club America 60th Min. (4-2-3-1, right to left): Jimenez (GK) — Layun, Lara, Valdez, Reyes — R. Sanchez, Fidalgo — Damm, Valdes, Cabecita Rodriguez — R. Martinez
Real Madrid vs. Club America live updates, highlights from preseason
Final: Real Madrid 2, Club America 2
91st min.: David Alaba had the winner on his foot, but Club America ‘keeper Oscar Jimenez makes a sensational save on the last kick of the match.
82nd min.: Goal Club America! Fidalgo places the ball inside the post and it’s the equalizer on the penalty.