Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema made their Real Madrid debuts, with the SoccerBible there to report on the historic match against Shamrock Rovers.
SoccerBible has joined Real Madrid for their pre-season in Ireland, and the giants of world football faced Shamrock Rovers in their first pre-season match. It was a tough game, but Real passed the test by defeating the Irish side 1-0 thanks to a goal by new signing and adidas adiPure II wearer Karim Benzema.
Real Madrid played a 4-4-2 system, with Guti playing close to the left wing and Cristiano Ronaldo positioned down the right. Real Madrid took the initiative from the start, and were playing a quick tempo, with Marcelo looking particularly active down the left flank. But Real were unable to make the most of their chances on goal, and with the score drawn 0-0 at the end of the first half both sides made several changes.
Karim Benzema came on and hit the post with his first attack after receiving the ball from Negredo, who minutes later had a great shot on target saved by the keeper. Shamrock Rovers were trying to hit Real Madrid on the counter-attack as they were playing solid in defence. But through constant pressure Real finally broke through the defence as Benzema managed to score.
The Frenchman had been very active wearing adidas adiPure II football boots, and received a great 60-metre lobbed pass from Heinze in the 87th minute which the striker controlled before sending the ball into the back of the net.
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KARIM BENZEMA
adidas adiPure II football boots
For Benzema's first Real Madrid goal he used his new adiPure II football boots to full advantage. Controlling a long ball through the cushioned instep, instantly taking a defender out of the equation before moving in on goal and stroking the ball home.
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CRISTIANO RONALDO
Nike Vapor Superfly football boots
As Cristiano Ronaldo was receiving some close attention from the Shamrock defenders, he struggled to find top gear in his Superfly football boots. But armed with Flywire for a glove-like fit Ronaldo managed to fizz a few shots from free-kicks.
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GONZALO HIGUAIN
adidas F50i football boots
Higuain completed an all-adidas attack by playing alongside Predator wearer Raul. Higuain was making the most of a competitive outing for his new adidas F50i football boots, which benefit from a new lace-cover and an innovative single-skin upper for improved ball touch and feel.
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SEAN O'CONNOR
Nike Mercurial Vapor V football boots
O'Connor's abyss Vapor V football boots were the perfect compliment to his purple Shamrock kit. And it was O'Connor who had the best scoring chance, wearing speed boots he cut in from the right-hand side before sending a low shot just wide.
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