Player Ratings: Here are the match ratings for some key players from the game:
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Vinicius: 8.5
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Joselu: 6.3
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Bellingham: 7.9
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Camavinga: 7.0
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Toni Kroos: 8.2
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Luk Modric: 7.2
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Fran Garcia: 6.5
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Nacho Fernandez: 6.8
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Rudiger: 6.8
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Lucas Vazquez: 7.2
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Thibaut Courtois: 6.6
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Alaba: 6.6
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Carvajal: 6.6
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Militao: 7.0
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Valverde: 6.8
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Tchouameni: 6.7
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Rodrygo: 6.6
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Brahim Diaz: 6.5
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Nico Paz: 6.3
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Alvaro Odriozola: 6.2
Match Overview: Carlo Ancelotti once again opted for the diamond formation, but several changes were made to the starting XI. Joselu partnered with Vini Jr up front, while Modric and Kroos featured in the midfield. Tchouameni was given well-deserved rest in the Orlando heat. Unfortunately, Real Madrid conceded early, with Moise Kean and Timothy Weah finding the net before the first hydration break.
Real Madrid’s Response: Real Madrid showed resilience after the break and created numerous opportunities. Vinicius Jr. brought Madrid back into the game with a calmly finished goal from a great counterattack. The team intensified their efforts, overwhelming Juventus with an array of quality sequences and shots. Crosses into the box increased, with Bellingham and Joselu operating as target men. Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny made heroic saves to keep his team ahead at halftime with a 2-1 lead.
Second-Half Battle: Madrid maintained the pressure in the second half, while Juventus aimed to impose themselves physically. Ancelotti made substitutions, bringing in fresh legs to sustain the offensive onslaught. Valverde’s audacious effort hit the crossbar, but Los Blancos lacked the final touch to equalize. Vinicius Jr was replaced by Brahim in the 77th minute, and Ancelotti also gave some minutes to Odriozola in the final preseason game. A late goal from Dusan Vlahovic secured a 3-1 victory for Juventus.
Closing Notes from Preseason: Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurelian Tchouameni impressed throughout preseason, proving their readiness to be undisputed starters. Vinicius Jr. faces the challenge of adapting to a new position, but he remains a potential standout player on the roster and was Madrid’s top scorer in preseason. Joselu showed promise with a remarkable goal against United, but his subsequent performances were inconsistent. Brahim’s limited involvement suggests a potentially reduced role this season. While Fran Garcia’s increased involvement in the attack as a left-back is encouraging, concerns persist regarding the contribution from the right-back position.
Real Madrid’s preseason showcased both promising performances and areas to address. As they approach the new season, Ancelotti and the team will focus on building upon their strengths and addressing any weaknesses. Fans eagerly await the official start of the season, looking forward to the rise of new stars and the team’s pursuit of success.
