The International Champions Cup is underway in Melbourne after AS Roma defeated Real Madrid after a mammoth penalty shootout, with the Italians winning 7-6.
In what was a largely dull affair throughout the ninety, the match came to life in the penalty shootout where Roma came up trumps.
Seydou Keita converted the wining penalty after both sides were locked at 6-6 thanks to a terrific save from Morgan De Sanctis, keeping out Lucas Vasquez.
Both sides played at a rather slow tempo during the match, with the catalogue of substitutions not helping proceedings as both managers tested their squad depth.
Not even the penalty shootout brought the teams out of second gear, with 12 penalties taking quite laconically before Roma came up victorious.
International Champions Cup passes it’s first test in Melbourne
Despite the football not being of the highest quality, the International Champions Cup proved a big hit in Melbourne with 80,476 fans attending the match, which made for a cracking atmosphere at the MCG. The home of Aussie Rules was buzzing throughout the contest, with both sides a big hit for the Melbourne crowd who at times were frustrated by the lack of attacking bursts. With 200,000 tickets sold across all three games, the ICC has certainly been a big hit in Melbourne and should sway tournament organisers to continue to stage the tournament here for the next three years of the current deal.
An official attendance of 80,746 people at the @MCG tonight. #ICCMELB #WWOS pic.twitter.com/kldeLEzLjT
— Wide World of Sports (@WWOS9) July 18, 2015
Game of two halves
By the end of the match, every starting player bar Roma goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis had been subbed out of the match, with both managers utilising the bench like a conveyor belt of talent. Roma coach Rudi Garcia took this quite literally by subbing off club legend Francesco Totti after just 32 minutes, replacing him with Seydou Doumbia who himself only lasted another half hour before being subbed out again for Mattia Destro. Both sides made seven changes each after half-time which really took out any sting that was left in the match, after a dull first half at the MCG. Then again, that is the nature of pre-season friendlies.
Gareth Bale alienated in number ’10’ role
There had been word all week that new Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez would trial Gareth Bale in the playmaker position behind the strikers. Safe to say it didn’t really work out. The Welshman looked disorientated and was under-utilised in the position, with Real Madrid playing at a very slow tempo which allowed the Roma midfielders to close him down. Bale is best known for his eye-catching pace and magical crosses from his customary wing position, which is clearly where he plays his best football.
Rafa Benitez after that game. #ICCMELB #ICC2015 pic.twitter.com/cYnlyr2FB3
— Domenic Favata (@DomFavata) July 18, 2015
Gervinho a bright spark in a dull affair
Despite only playing a half of football, Roma winger Gervinho wast the deserved man of the match after looking like the only player to break the deadlock. The Ivorian was at his electric best, attacking defenders with ease and just lacking the finishing touch. Rudi Garcia will count himself lucky that he still has the former Arsenal man in his ranks, with Gervinho almost leaving the club only a few weeks back for Abu Dhabi, with only bizarre personal demands blocking the move, with allegations of him demanding a helicopter and private beach.
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