If summer is all about building hope, Madrid are doing a fine job. Apart from Gareth Bale, who has failed to make a splash in a deep-lying, central role and continues to search for his place in the side, everyone seems more settled than they did last season – including those who have only recently arrived. The plan was to defend better and to defend as one and the team is doing precisely that. They have also improved in their acceleration and look far more aerodynamic on the break with the fleet-footed Jesé, who is now definitively back in form; this team offers enthusiasm and the youth players seem at ease. Even James, who only rejoined the squad the other day, was able to illuminate the party with a spectacular free-kick to bring the scoring to a close. A goal which illustrated Madrid’s performance; Benítez’s team were too much for an Inter side who, since Mourinho’s departure, look sad and blue. Their keeper, Handanovic, masked their collapse.
Rafa Benítez’s third game in charge, after switching continents and climates and even with the arrival of Florentino Pérez, has rekindled Madrid’s image. The new-look Madrid is more direct and uses its blistering pace to stunning effect and that exposed Inter today at the Tianhe stadium. Handanovic would need an extra pair of hand at least to compensate for Inter’s frailties.
Benítez, either out of conviction or for not wanting to displease, insisted on fielding Bale as the lynchpin between midfield and attack. But the Welshman doesn’t look comfortable there and added to that, it’s also to the detriment of Isco, who started on the right and looked for any excuse to move into the middle. Part of that was down to Danilo, a full-back who like to dominate the entire wing and doesn’t like intruders. He was constantly racing up and down the right channel but didn’t put one single useful ball into the area.
For brief moments, Cristiano was a whirlwind. The game was being played at the speed of sound and that meant he was like a fish in water. On five minutes he forced Handanovic to turn around a fierce, angled strike. Jesé once again started as centre-forward although like against Roma, he would occasionally drift over to either flank. All of the overtime he has put in this summer has been worthwhile. He’s returned faster, revitalized and ready for a fight. He scored a goal which was as sublime in its execution as it was for his control and the way he skipped past Murillo. All in the flash of a second, in a confined space in the heart of the Inter forest.
After the break Madrid shed a few years. Kiko Casilla made his debut and in attack, the youthful trio of Lucas Vázquez, Jesé and Cheryshev received their orders from Isco, now playing in his natural central role. Madrid continued as electric, creative and dangerous as before. Lucas Vázquez whipped in a ball for Varane to steer in on the volley from a ball which originated from a corner set-piece which Inter had cleared.
Late sub James had just under 15 minutes of activity, after just one training session but he made the most of his opportunity to curl in a wonderful winner from a direct free-kick. Lazo meanwhile enjoyed his first senior appearance on Chinese soil where Madrid continue their more than adequate progression.