Red Devils Take on Los Blancos in Santa Clara
Santa Clara served as the host of this year’s first ICC matchup in California as thousands of supporters attended the match featuring their favorite international stars on a sunny day in California. The Red Devils closed the day as winners after edging the Spanish side in penalty kicks with Manchester goalkeeper David De Gea providing heroics.
Related Article: Real Madrid vs. Man U Photo Journal
Soccer News: The International Champions Cup (ICC) made its first stop in California on Sunday as Manchester United faced off against Real Madrid at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. 65,109 supporters attended the match in order to catch a glimpse of their favorite soccer stars in action.
Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea proved vital for the Premier League side that announced Real Madrid would no longer pursue the Spaniard prior to the match.
Real Madrid’s starting lineup included several players from its 2016/17 campaign; however, the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo may have halted the club’s finishing prowess.
England winger Jesse Lingard opened the scoring for the Red Devils after a moment of magic from Anthony Martial just before the half-time whistle.
The Frenchman collected the ball on the left flank and split two defenders near the end line as he squared up Lingard for the easy finish.
Manchester United’s star-studded roster was on display in the second half with midfielder Paul Pogba and forward Romelu Lukaku taking the pitch. Lukaku joined the Red Devils in recent weeks after transferring from Everton.
Real Madrid awarded the second half showcase to its promising reserve players. The speed, agility and youth of the squad kept all those in attendance on the edge of their seats as they knocked on Man U’s door.
Los Blancos were awarded a penalty kick in the 68th minute after Theo Hernandez was taken down in the box by Victor Lindelöf. Casemiro equalized for Real Madrid with twenty minutes remaining in regulation.
With the match concluding a draw after 90+ minutes, the two clubs lined up for penalty kicks in the Bay Area.
De Gea saved the two opening penalties by Real Madrid, with the fourth attempt hit wide and the fifth striking the post. Manchester United claimed the victory in the first ICC matchup in California.
ICC action returns to California on Wednesday as Real Madrid takes on Manchester City at the Los Angeles Coliseum. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. PT.
Photo Credit: Chris Rael
