Real Madrid faced Roma in the 2015 International Champions Cup on Saturday.
Both teams had chances in an open first 45 minutes, but the score remained goalless at the interval.
Real Madrid were the better team in the second period, but with the scores level at 90 minutes, a penalty shootout was ordered to separate the European rivals.
Both scored their opening six spot kicks, but Lucas Vasquez's miss allowed Seydou Keita to win it 7-6 for Roma.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Morning all and welcome to Australia! It doesn't seem that long ago that the 2014-15 season ended, but preparations for the new campaign are well underway. It is a new era for Real Madrid, with Rafael Benitez taking charge of his first match. As for Roma, they will be keen to bounce back from a pre-season 2-1 defeat to Hungarian side Gyirmot last weekend. Let's hope for an entertaining match from Melbourne!
First and foremost, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news.
TEAMS:
REAL: Navas; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo; Modric, Illarra, Odegaard; Bale, Ronaldo, Jese
ROMA: De Sanctis; Maicon, Mapou, Castan, Cole; Ucan, De Rossi, Nainggolan; Falque, Totti, Gervinho
So there we have it. Benitez's first lineup includes Cristiano Ronaldo as a centre forward, with the Portuguese starting between Gareth Bale and Jese Rodriguez. There is much speculation over the future of Sergio Ramos, but the Spaniard starts at centre-back, while there is a place in midfield for 16-year-old Martin Odegaard. Keylor Navas starts between the sticks for Los Blancos. Still no David de Gea here!
As for Roma, there is a place in the XI for former Arsenal and Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole. Brazilian international Maicon starts on the opposite flank for the Italians, while there is a debut in the final third for summer signing Iago Falque. Francesco Totti, as expected, skippers a team that also includes Daniele de Rossi and the highly-rated Radja Nainggolan. Two strong sides on display here.
These two sides also met last summer, and it was Roma that triumphed 1-0 in that particular friendly. Real Madrid and Roma have not met in a competitive match since March 2008, however, when the Italians triumphed 2-1 to progress in the Champions League. In fact, Roma have won each of their last three match-ups with Los Blancos.
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The 2014-15 season was hardly disastrous for Real Madrid, but they lost out to Barcelona in both La Liga and the Champions League, while the Catalan outfit also won the Copa del Rey as they picked up a stunning treble. Italian Carlo Ancelotti lost his position as head coach following the lack of silverware and it is now up to Benitez to take on Barcelona at both home and abroad. Some task!
Real Madrid certainly have a busy pre-season lined up. They will face Manchester City, Inter Milan and AC Milan this month, before tackling Tottenham Hotspur at the start of August. A clash with Valerenga follows, before they open their La Liga campaign away to newly-promoted Sporting Gijon on August 23. There will be no European Super Cup or Spanish Super Cup for Los Blancos this time around.
Roma, on the other hand, have already played one pre-season match this summer – losing 2-1 to Hungarian side Gyirmot last weekend. After this match, the Italian side will also face Manchester City, before tackling Sporting Lisbon on July 31. Last season brought a runners-up finish in Serie A, but they were some 17 points shy of Juventus, who continue to set the benchmark in Italian football.
It has not exactly been the busiest of transfer windows for Roma, but Victor Ibarbo and Leandro Paredes are among those that have joined the club this summer. Results in pre-season are always secondary to fitness, but head coach Rudi Garcia will want to see some strong performances in Australia.
It is understood that there are around 70,000 spectators inside the stadium for this one - incredible. The public have certainly turned up in their numbers to see two great teams of the European game.
Here we go then. Both sets of players have joined us on the field for the first period. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium as Real Madrid get the action underway here.
As expected, Real Madrid have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes in Melbourne. It will be interesting to see what kind of pace we have here. Players will be keen to impress their respective managers ahead of the new season, and Benitez is in the Real dugout for the first time.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the early moments, but Real Madrid have been in control of the possession as they continue to work the ball. A mistake from Modric allows Gervinho the chance to break into the Real Madrid box, but Varane is quick across the turf to make the challenge.
CROSSBAR! Roma come close to taking the lead as a corner from the right causes all sorts of problems inside the box - eventually it falls for De Rossi, but his effort smashes the top of the crossbar!
First opportunity of the match for Real Madrid as Bale finds space just inside the Roma box, but his effort was always rising over the crossbar. Replays did show that the Welshman was in an offside position.
Real Madrid again drive into the final third as Bale breaks down the right before delivering into Ronaldo, but Maicon is across to make the challenge. End-to-end football with eight minutes played here.
Ramos is next to come close for Real Madrid, but after collecting a deep corner, the Spaniard leans back and fires his effort over the crossbar. Plenty happening at both ends of the field at the moment.
Half-chance for Roma as Falque breaks down the right before delivering a low cross towards the far post, but Carvajal is ahead of Gervinho and manages to steer the ball behind for another corner.
Roma have a free kick just outside the box as Gervinho is felled by the stretching Illarramendi...
... Falque takes the set piece, but his effort is straight into the wall.
The referee has been forced into a number of decisions in the last couple of minutes and a late challenge from De Rossi brings Real Madrid a free kick. Modric delivers, but Ronaldo's header is just over.
It must be said that this does not feel like a friendly at the moment. The pace of the game has been really good and both teams are attacking when they can. A very enjoyable 17 minutes of football here.
Gervinho has been Roma's biggest threat in the opening 20 minutes, but Carvajal has thus far done a good job of containing the Ivorian. Both teams are enjoying spells of advanced possession here.
Bale has seen plenty of the ball thus far and the Welshman again delivers a cross towards Ronaldo, but Yanga-Mbiwa is across to make the clearance. Still goalless as this first period continues to develop.
Maicon surprisingly arrives inside the Real Madrid box to meet a cross from the left, but the Brazilian can only bundle his effort into the arms of Navas. Real Madrid are immediately on the counter down the other end, but Jese cannot slide a pass into Ronaldo. You just get the feeling that the first goal is imminent.
Ronaldo again comes close as Bale delivers a wonderful ball towards the Portuguese, but Cole is quick to make the challenge. Cole versus Ronaldo has been some battle down the years!
Bale is playing a lot deeper for Real Madrid at the moment, which could be a feature of this season. The Welshman again picks up possession and tries his luck from distance, but De Sanctis is on hand to make the save. There are some positive signs with Ronaldo playing as the central striker here.
SAVE! Navas is called into action in the Real Madrid goal to palm away a dangerous ball from Falque. Totti was waiting to pounce, but the stopper managed to push clear of the danger zone!
SAVE! Navas is again called into action for Real Madrid to deny Ucan from a corner at the far post. Real Madrid have not looked too strong from set pieces thus far. What else is new!
SUB! Roma make their first change as Totti is replaced by Doumbia.
Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining in Melbourne and we are still waiting for the first goal of the match. It has been an entertaining half, however, with chances at both ends.
Carvajal tries his luck for Real Madrid, but his effort was always rising over the crossbar.
Illarramendi is fortunate to escape a yellow card for pulling Falque to the ground in the middle of the park. It must be said that Falque and Gervinho have both been very bright for Roma thus far here.
Both managers will be pretty pleased with what they have seen in the opening 41 minutes in Melbourne. Real Madrid have had more of the ball, but Roma have been dangerous in the final third. Just a reminder that both of these teams will face Manchester City in their next pre-season fixture.
Bale remains Real Madrid's biggest threat as he drives down the right before delivering, but the ball is deflected into the arms of De Sanctis. We have not seen too much from Ronaldo thus far here.
De Rossi attempts to force the issue for Roma after finding space in the final third, but the Italian cannot find Doumbia and Real Madrid regain the ball. Not long left in this first period here.
The referee indicates that we will play one additional minute at the end of the half.
Nainggolan tries his luck for Roma, but his long-range effort is wide of the post.
HALF-TIME: Real Madrid 0-0 Roma
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level at 0-0. Roma have perhaps had the clearer chances, but it has been an even contest between the two European giants. The pace and indeed tempo has been very good and both managers will be content.
BENCH WATCH! Real Madrid have an embarrassment of riches on their bench here, with the likes of Pepe, Benzema, Kroos, Isco and Danilo all hoping to feature. Youngsters Marcos Llorente, Jose Lazo and Ruben Yanez will also be looking to gain some minutes. As for Roma, Doumbia has already replaced Totti, but the Italians have plenty more options in the shape of Paredes, Strootman, Ljajic, Keita, Iturbe and Pjanic. I am expecting a raft a changes in the second 45 minutes!
As mentioned, both of these teams will face Manchester City in their next pre-season fixture. Roma are up against the Premier League side on Tuesday, while Real Madrid face Manuel Pellegrini's side next Friday. Both sides currently have a host of subs warming up on the field ahead of the restart...
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period in Melbourne. There have been plenty of changes from both teams - I will do my best to bring you up-to-speed!
SUBS! Isco, Kroos, Benzema, Pepe and Arbeloa are all among those that have entered for Real Madrid. Bare with me while the changes are confirmed. Iturbe, Pjanic and Florenzi are on for Roma...
... Cheryshev is also on for Real Madrid. The Spanish side have a half-chance as Isco delivers a low cross towards Benzema, but Manolas, who is also on, just does enough to make a last-ditch challenge.
Keita has also come on for Roma at the interval, so both managers have made a host of changes. For Real Madrid, Benzema and Bale are playing as the front two, with Ronaldo going off at the break.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in this second period, but Real Madrid have been the more progressive in the final third. We have not seen too much from Roma pair Iturbe and Doumbia.
CHANCE! Bale comes close to sending Real Madrid ahead after meeting a corner from Isco, but the Welshman's header just moved wide of the post. Bale has looked very good here.
CHANCE! Roma come close down the other end as Florenzi delivers a wonderful cross towards Doumbia at the far post, but the Ivorian can only bundle his attempt wide of the post!
SUB! Real Madrid make another change as Lucas Vasquez, who spent last season on loan at Espanyol, enters the field in place of Bale, who has had a very sharp 56 minutes of action in Melbourne.
Navas and Carvajal are the only Real Madrid starters that are still on the field here.
Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in Melbourne and we are still level at 0-0. Just a reminder that there will be penalties if this game indeed finishes goalless. Real Madrid are pressing here.
The pace of the game has just dropped in the last five minutes or so, which is not too surprising. Both managers will be pretty pleased with what they have seen thus far, but pre-season is all about fitness.
SUBS! Roma make two changes as Destro and Capradossi replace Yanga-Mbiwa and Doumbia.
It is now only Carvajal and the two goalkeepers that are still on the field from those that started. It would not be a surprise to see Benitez introduce new signing Danilo in the next few minutes.
Half-chance for Real Madrid as Chervyshev drives down the left before finding a cross towards Benzema, but the Frenchman's effort was always rising over the Roma crossbar.
The referee has been busier than he would have wanted in the last couple of minutes following a number of late challenges, but there has still not been a booking in this game. Still goalless.
Pepe tries his luck for Real Madrid after finding space outside the box, but the defender's effort was always rising over the crossbar. Benitez is preparing to introduce new signing Danilo here.
SUB! Real Madrid make the expected change as Danilo replaces Carvajal.
Real Madrid are on top at the moment as they continue to pass and probe in the final third, but we have not seen too many clear chances in the last 15 minutes or so. Heading for penalties?
In truth, Roma have struggled to make their mark in the second period here, with the likes of Iturbe and Pjanic struggling for possession of the ball. Real Madrid continue to force the issue in the final third, but chances have been at a premium since the interval. Little over 15 minutes remaining.
Only the two goalkeepers remain on the field from the 22 players that started here in Melbourne. In truth, the pace of the game has dropped as we approach the latter stages of the 90 minutes.
Just a reminder that a penalty shootout will occur if the two teams cannot be separated in the next 10 minutes or so. Roma have just picked up the pace in the last couple of minutes as they pass and probe in the final third of the field. Not too much of a surprise that there are some tired legs out there.
You just get the feeling that there is at least one more big chance left in this match. Real Madrid break down the left with Cheryshev, but the Russian's cross is cut out by the aggressive Manolas.
PEN SHOUT! Real Madrid have a strong penalty appeal as the ball appears to strike the arm of Torosidis inside the Roma box, but the referee is not interested. I have certainly seen them given!
CHANCE! Vasquez has a wonderful chance to send Real Madrid ahead after breaking into the Roma box, but the Spaniard's low strike is saved by De Sanctis. Super goalkeeping!
Danilo strikes wide of the Roma goal after finding space in the final third.
Roma have really struggled to get going in this second period and that remains the case into the latter stages here. Unless there is a winner, we will be heading for a good old-fashioned shootout.
CHANCE! Roma's best chance of the second period falls to Destro after a quick free kick, but the striker can only spin and fire wide of the post. Might have done a little better from that position!
The official attendance is little under 81,000 here.
It does appear that we are heading for penalties as both teams play out the final seconds.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes here.
It is pretty scrappy at the moment as the challenges continue to arrive from both teams.
END OF 90 MINS: Real Madrid 0-0 Roma
This match is heading for penalties!
Not the biggest shootout that either team will ever face, but winning is a habit.
Both teams are keen to get on with this shootout, which is not too much of a surprise. At least the supporters get to sample the excitement of penalty kicks. Who will hold their nerve in Australia?
Real Madrid win the toss and they will take the first penalty here.
GOAL! Debut-boy Danilo fires his penalty past De Sanctis.
GOAL! No real surprise that Pjanic scores for Roma to level at 1-1.
GOAL! Kroos finds the bottom corner to send Real Madrid ahead once again.
GOAL! Ljajic scores for Roma as the Italians move level at 2-2 in the shootout.
GOAL! Lucas Silva finds the bottom corner as Real Madrid lead 3-2.
GOAL! Roma are once again level as Destro slides his spot kick past Navas.
GOAL! Super penalty from Isco as his effort regains the lead for Real Madrid.
GOAL! Florenzi's effort hits the post before flashing into the back of the net!
GOAL! Benzema finds the bottom corner. Pressure on Roma now...
... GOAL! Iturbe makes no mistake and we are level at 5-5 here!
GOAL! Nacho's effort smashes off the crossbar and bounces over the line!
GOAL! Paredes manages to force his effort past Navas and we are level at 6-6.
SAVE! De Sanctis denies Vasquez! First miss of the shootout!
GOAL! Keita makes no mistake as Roma win thew shootout 7-6 here.
So there we have it. Roma win 7-6 on penalties following a goalless 90 minutes against Real Madrid. Vasquez missed in the shootout for Real Madrid, and Keita was on hand to score the winning goal.
Benitez's first game in charge of Real Madrid ends in a defeat. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick around for plenty more pre-season coverage. Until next time!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
