Afternoon all! Sports Mole's live pre-season coverage continues from Oslo as Norwegian side Valerenga Fotball welcome Spanish giants Real Madrid. Both teams are at very different stages of their respective seasons, but Real Madrid will certainly be the favourites to record a victory in what is their final confirmed friendly before the start of the La Liga season. Let's hope for an entertaining 90 minutes here!

Much of the focus will be on Real Madrid here, but the hosts will be ahead of Rafael Benitez's side in terms of match sharpness. In fact, Valerenga are already 19 matches into their season and played as recent as Friday, when they beat Tromso 1-0. As a result, the hosts currently sit second in their domestic table on 36 points – six points behind the leaders Rosenborg, who have played one game fewer.

They are also a club that have won the Norwegian Premier League on five occasions – the latest of which came in 2005. It has been a disappointing few seasons for the Oslo outfit, however, who have finished eighth, 11th and sixth in each of their last three campaigns. As a result, they have not played Champions League football since the 2006-2007 season, but they are currently on course for a strong season.

BREAKING TEAM NEWS! Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez has handed a start to 16-year-old midfielder Martin Odegaard, while Nacho and Casemiro also start for the Spanish giants. With no Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale is joined by James Rodriguez and Jese Rodriguez in attack.

TEAMS:

VALERENGA: To follow.

REAL: Navas; Danilo, Varane, Nacho, Marcelo; Casemiro, Modric, Odegaard; James, Jese, Bale

As mentioned, Odegaard is handed another chance to impress for Real Madrid this afternoon. Keylor Navas is given the nod ahead of Kiko Casilla between the sticks, while Danilo replaces Dani Carvajal on the right side of defence. We are still waiting on the confirmed team news from the hosts here.

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Speaking of Valerenga, the club have a rich history in Norwegian football, having been founded back in 1913. Their stadium – the Ullevaal Stadion – is also home of the Norway national team. They are not at the same level as Real Madrid, but at this stage of their season, will certainly provide tough opposition for the Spanish outfit. Just a reminder that kickoff is at 2pm UK time this afternoon.

Right, we have the confirmed team news for the home side here...

TEAMS:

VALERENGA: Burchert; Waehler, Lundstrom, Nasberg, Nakkim; Grindheim, Halberg, Berge; Holm, Lindkvist, Omarsson

REAL: Navas; Danilo, Varane, Nacho, Marcelo; Casemiro, Modric, Odegaard; James, Jese, Bale

So there we have it. It appears that the home side will line up in a 4-4-3 formation this afternoon, with Daniel Holm and Rasmus Lindkvist supporting Elias Mar Omarsson in the final third of the field. However, there is no place in the team for former Bolton Wanderers attacker Daniel Braaten. On-loan Hertha Berlin goalkeeper Sascha Burchert, meanwhile, is given the nod between the sticks.

Moving onto Real Madrid, who are currently warming up in Oslo, the Spanish outfit have been very busy this pre-season. A trip to the United States in the middle of last month brought games against Roma, Manchester City, Inter Milan and AC Milan, with Benitez's side winning three times and losing on penalties. They only conceded once in those four particular matches and scored seven goals.

Next came the Audi Cup, which took place in Munich earlier this week. Los Blancos comfortably overcame Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in the semi-finals of the competition on Tuesday, but were then beaten 1-0 by Bayern Munich in the final on Wednesday. Two games in the space of 24 hours meant that Benitez could fully utilise his squad, which is the name of the game at this stage of pre-season.

In terms of looking forward, this is Real Madrid's final pre-season match before competitive action starts. As of today, they have two weeks until the start of their La Liga campaign, which opens with a trip to newly-promoted Sporting Gijon. They will then welcome Real Betis, before travelling to Espanyol and hosting Granada in their next two – a fairly comfortable start to the season to be honest.

Looking further, Real Madrid do not actually face one of their direct title rivals until early October, when they will make the trip to Atletico Madrid. The first Clasico of the season has been pencilled in for the weekend of November 8 and they have a fairly strong set of fixtures up until the winter break.

A stunning 22-game winning run in all competitions saw Real Madrid lead La Liga for long spells of last season, but their form tailed off in the second half of the campaign, which allowed Barcelona to come through and claim the crown. It is worth remembering, however, that there were only two points separating Spain's top two sides at the end of the campaign. It really was very tight indeed.

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For all Barcelona's praise last season, Real Madrid actually scored eight more league goals than the Catalan outfit (118 to 110), but they were let down defensively, with 17 more goals conceded than Barcelona, who shipped just 21 in 38 matches. If Benitez can find the right balance in the new campaign, then there is no reason why the title cannot return to Madrid in the season ahead.

With that in mind, here is a piece I have written about Real Madrid and what they need to do to overcome Barcelona in the new campaign. Have a read - comments welcomed of course!

Both teams have just returned to the dressing room with little under 10 minutes until kickoff here. It will be a difficult test for Real Madrid, but I still fancy them to emerge victorious in Oslo here.

Here we go then. Both sets of players are heading onto the pitch for the first period of action. The supporters have turned up in their numbers this afternoon and it must be said that the pitch is in fine condition. Valerenga are deep into their league season and should be ahead in terms of fitness here.

KICK OFF! Plenty of Real Madrid shirts among the crowd this afternoon, but the home team are, of course, well-represented. It is the hosts that get the first 45 minutes underway.

It has been a decent start from the home side, who from kickoff immediately threaten down the left and manage to pen Real Madrid in with a couple of throws. The hosts then break down the other side with Omarsson, but Danilo has the pace to deal with the forward. Good tempo to the early moments.

Almost an opportunity for Bale to advance on the home side's goal after a super through pass, but the Welshman was just caught offside. It is Valerenga in charge of the ball with three minutes played.

Real Madrid again threaten as James finds space in a wide area before delivering, but Burchert is on hand to claim ahead of Bale, who has started in a central position, with Jese operating on the right.

Real Madrid are looking the more dangerous at the moment as Danilo finds space down the right before delivering into Bale, but Nakkim is on hand to clear the danger. Valerenga attempt to break, but Varane uses his pace to take control of the situation. Still goalless with seven minutes played.

Modric lashes one over the crossbar after another smart Real Madrid passing sequence.

CHANCE! Just about the best chance of the match thus far as Marcelo finds space down the left before delivering into James, but the Colombian loses his footing and bundles his effort wide!

Bale, Odegaard and James are all combing for Real Madrid at the moment, with the Spanish team looking the more likely to make the breakthrough. Los Blancos are certainly warming up here.

The home side have just managed to quell the pressure with a period of possession, but they are struggling to make their mark in the final third. Good work from Holm forces a corner, but Bale is on hand to head clear at the near post. It is an open and attacking game at the moment in Oslo.

Real Madrid are passing and probing at the moment, with Bale very much involved in the final third. Danilo, meanwhile, is causing problems down the right. It is Marcelo on the opposite side that cuts in and has a long-range attempt, but the left-back's effort just moved high of the crossbar.

Casemiro finds Bale with a super through ball, but Bale's effort is deflected wide. All Real!

Odegaard has been very bright for Real Madrid in the opening 18 minutes and the 16-year-old is again involved in a passing move, but Danilo's final effort is just blocked en route to goal.

Just a reminder that both teams are expected to make a whole host of changes during the course of this match, which will be fun for me trying to keep up! Still goalless with 20 minutes on the clock.

CLOSE! The home side come close to testing Navas as Hallberg strikes a free kick from distance, but his effort is just wide of the post. It was good work from Omarsson moments before.

Real Madrid continue to threaten as Bale and Modric both have attempts from inside the box, but the home side manage to clear the danger with some smart defending. It must be said that Odegaard has had a very bright 24 minutes for Los Blancos here - he is making a strong impression in his homeland.

Penalty shout for Real Madrid as Nacho tumbles inside the box, but nothing doing.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Real Madrid as Marcelo combines with James before delivering into Bale, but the Welshman flashes his attempt wide of the post. Should have scored!

Hallberg fouls Modric and Real Madrid have a free kick in a very dangerous area here...

... SAVE! Bale's effort is on target, but Burchert makes a really smart save.

Real Madrid are running riot at the moment as they continue to probe in forward areas, but the home side have managed to keep their clean sheet in tact with 30 minutes on the clock. Nacho again breaks forward for the visitors and tries his luck, but his attempt brings a fairly smart save from Burchert.

Half-chance for the home side this time as Berge strikes one from outside the box, but Navas is on hand to make the save. This game continues to flow in forward areas, which is great for the neutral!

Bale goes down under a heavy challenge from the home side's goalkeeper and there is some concern for the Welshman, but he returns to his feet without the need for treatment. Phew Gareth!

CHANCE! Another chance for Real Madrid as Modric delivers a super ball into the path of Danilo, who breaks into the box, but the Brazilian's final touch is just too strong and Burchert collects.

It is almost like a training exercise for Real Madrid at the moment as they continue to dominate matters in the final third. Jese and Odegaard both find space inside the box, but they cannot create enough room to release a strike. Valerenga have been very impressive defensively this afternoon.

Valerenga force another free kick in an advanced area, but Hallberg can only deliver into the arms of Navas and Real Madrid can break down the other end. Still goalless with 41 minutes on the clock.

Pass, pass, pass from Real Madrid as they continue to force the issue in the final third.

Just a reminder that Real Madrid do not have either Ronaldo or Benzema to call upon in the second period, with both currently on the sidelines. The likes of Isco and Cheryshev are in reserve, though.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level at 0-0. Valerenga have had their moments, but in truth, it has been a half dominated by Real Madrid. The only surprise is that the visitors have not been able to take any of their good opportunities thus far.

BENCH WATCH! As mentioned, both managers are expected to make a host of changes in the second period. The home side have the likes of Brown, Zahid, Braaten and Kristiansen in reserve, while Real Madrid boss Benitez will surely look to give minutes to Isco, Carvajal & Co. here.

Just a reminder that this is Real Madrid's final pre-season match before their league opener in two weeks. Benzema is expected to miss that match, but Ronaldo should be fit to take part. Benitez will be pleased with what he has seen thus far, but will want to see some goals in the second 45 minutes.

BACK UNDERWAY! Can Real Madrid make their domination count in the second period? It is the visitors that get the second 45 minutes underway. Bare with me while I confirm the subs...

... REAL SUBS: Kroos, Carvajal and Cheryshev are on for the visitors.

REAL SUBS: Illarramendi has also entered. It appears that James, Modric, Casemiro and Danilo have left the field for the Spanish side. While there is another early change as Vasquez replaces Odegaard.

No word of any changes from the home side at this stage of events. As expected, Real Madrid have started the second period on the front foot, with Bale and Jese already both very threatening.

Valarenga have struggled to make their mark since the interval, with all of the possession belonging to Real Madrid. It is a surprise that the score is still goalless, but the hosts have defended very well.

Usually you would expect Real Madrid to take control of this game as the opposition tire, but Valerenga are already 19 games into their league season and therefore have the superior fitness. Vasquez tries his luck for the away side after finding space outside the box, but his effort was wide.

Not too much to report in terms of chances at the moment, but Real Madrid are still very much in control of the possession in the final third. Benitez looks a little frustrated with the lack of goals.

REAL SUBS: Real Madrid make another change as Jese is replaced by Borja Mayoral.

Vasquez has been nice and bright for Real Madrid since entering early in the second period, with the Spaniard causing problems in a wide area. However, Valerenga are still defending very well here.

The attendance has been confirmed at little over 27,000 this afternoon and the supporters have been treated to an entertaining game, but without any goals thus far. Little under 30 minutes to play.

It is all Real Madrid as they continue to force the issue, but the home side are not exactly having to face a serious of attempts, which was the case for periods of the first half. The match has approached a bit of a lull, which is note a surprise at this stage of proceedings. We need an injection of pace!

BOOKING! Varane (Real Madrid) is booked for fouling Abdellaoue.

CHANCE! Best chance of the second period for Real Madrid as Vasquez drives down the right before finding Bale with a low cross, but his effort lacks power and Burchert makes the save!

Half-chance for the home side this time as Berge drives a low cross towards Abdellaoue, but Casilla just manages to claim ahead of the attacker. End-to-end football with 68 minutes played as Cheryshev tries his luck from a wide angle, but once again Burchert makes a decent-enough stop.

REAL SUB: Bale leaves the field for Asensio.

VALERENGA SUB: Kristiansen replaces Naberg for the hosts.

It is a very youthful Real Madrid team at the moment and there is cause for a number of players to make an impression in the final 20 minutes. At the moment, they are being held to a goalless draw.

Possession football from Real Madrid as they continue to pass and probe, but the home side are pretty comfortable defending their clean sheet at the moment. Little over 15 minutes remaining here.

Real Madrid have the chance to threaten from another free kick, but Cheryshev's effort is pushed clear by Burchert. The pressure continues as Cheryshev delivers from a wide position, but once again the goalkeeper makes the save. Burchert has had a very solid game for the home side this afternoon.

CHANCE! Cheryshev is the man of the moment as he again drives to the edge of the box, but the Russian's low effort curls wide of the post. Still goalless with 10 minutes remaining.

CHANCE! Burchert again comes to the rescue for the home side as he denies Mayoral from close range. The Real Madrid youngster really should have fed Asensio inside the box!

The game is so incredibly open at the moment, with both teams committing numbers in the final third. I would not be surprised if there was a late winner here as chances continue to arrive.

Asensio has been nice and bright for Real Madrid since entering the field, but the Spaniard cannot inspire his team to a goal as the home side continue to resist the danger with 84 minutes played.

You just get the feeling that there is a potential winner in this game as the action continues to occur at both ends of the field, but that final pass is just lacking - as has been the case all afternoon.

REAL SUB: Llorente replaces Nacho.

Asensio is again the instigator for Real Madrid as the youngster drives into the box, but he takes one touch too many and the danger is cleared at the final moment. Vasquez then goes down inside the area under a challenge from the home side's goalkeeper, but the referee calls play on here!

So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with the two teams level at 0-0. It is a match that Real Madrid should have won, but the hosts must be praised for their defensive work throughout the 90 minutes. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!