Real Madrid Showcases Brilliant Football in Yankee Stadium

Real Madrid faced European rivals AC Milan in the 2012 World Football Challenge competition at, of all places, Yankee Stadium.  Yes, you read that correctly.  Yankee Stadium as in Yankee Stadium, home of MLB powerhouse New York Yankees.  This would be the first time in 11 years that Real Madrid visited the fair city.  And what a way to celebrate their return!  Falling in suit of their previous matches, los Blancos claimed victory over their opponents, this time with an impressive 5-1 scoreline.

Ángel di María gave the Spanish side its lead at the 24' minute mark.  The Argentine took advantage of the ball Milan goalkeeper Abiatti cleared seconds earlier as it fell in front of goal.  Di María connected with a volley and Abiatti could do nothing to stop the ball from sinking into the back of net.  Madrid would not celebrate for long as Robinho scored Milan's equalizer some odd minutes later at the 33' minute mark.  Of course it would have been a set piece...

 

Los Blancos did not appear rattled by the surprise equalizer, showcasing some brilliant footwork on pitch.  Cristiano Ronaldo had the opportunity of upping Madrid's lead, but Abbiati did well to keep the shot out.  The Italians were determined and seemed to have gained confidence following that Robinho goal.  Nevertheless, the half wound down to a close with no further action, ending with a 1-1 draw.

José Mourinho made no wholesale changes in lineup, only making four substitutions come second half.  Seemed like "The Mister" took this preseason friendly more seriously than the others.  Cristiano scored Madrid's second in the 49^th minute, following an amazing piece of play from Lass Diarra.  The men in white were back in the lead!  Not wanting a repeat of the first half, they sought a third [goal].

Their third would not come until the 66' minute mark, again, at the hands – or should I say by the feet – of Cristiano.  The Portuguese all-star beautifully finished a set of play, which began with Gonzalo "Pipita" Higuaín.  The Argentine made his way down the right before playing Brazilian teammate Kaka in at the top of box, who then passed to Cristiano.  Such wonderful teamwork!

Milan stirred with life once more afterwards, but the men were unable to cash in on any of their opportunities.  Nevertheless, they posed a threat – a threat that los Blancos had to squash.

Of course Sergio Ramos was up to task.  The Andalusian headed in Madrid's fourth goal in the 81^st minute, following a corner.  A three-point cushion?  Poor, poor Milan.  A recovery seemed highly unlikely.  The match was all but over for the Italians.

Apparently José Callejón was not satisfied with a 4-1 win, deciding to make it 5-1 instead.  His first attempt went wide in the 86^th minute, but the Real Madrid man would not be denied.  He took advantage of a cross from Kaka two minutes later at the 88' mark and his efforts were well received.

Los Blancos play Celtic FC next this Saturday in Philadelphia before heading back home to Madrid.  Until then, ¡Hala Madrid!

written by Gail Hidalgo