Real Madrid started their preseason tour of North America with a trip to BMO Field to play Toronto FC of Major League Soccer. The match is the first of two against MLS teams with the other on Sunday against DC United. All the stars of Real Madrid were available for Friday’s match including Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Benzema, and Alonso. Here’s a recap of Friday’s match along with video highlights.
Real Madrid easily beats Toronto FC 5-1 – Video Highlights
The match started out fairly even and Toronto FC actually had the better chances early but couldn’t convert. When Toronto wasn’t able to convert their early chances while the game was stll 0-0, it seemed the momentum shifted. Real Madrid started to take control of the match and it wasn’t long before they grabbed a 1-0 lead on a Raul shot. The all-time leading scorer for Real Madrid hit a perfect shot that hit the crossbar and bounced into the net as TFC keeper Frei had little chance.
The offensive showcase from RM continued as Cristiano Ronaldo scored the next goal and Raul added one more to make it 3-0 after only 25 minutes. The defensive problems of Toronto FC in this season of Major League Soccer were exposed by the world class talent of Real Madrid. After the first 3 goals Toronto’s defensive troubles weren’t over as they continually made mistakes. Fortunately they were able to keep the Spanish giants scoreless the last 20 minutes of the half as it remained 0-3 after 45 minutes.
The second half started with a lot of changes as Real Madrid and Toronto made many substitutions. Toronto had the first chance of the half as Barrett linked up with De Rosario who had a shot on goal that was saved. The home team came out with some aggression but seemed to lack the ability to finish in the final third. One of the bright spots for TFC was Marvell Wyne who utilized his speed to make some great plays on offensively and defensively. As with the first half, the early chances and momentum was with Toronto but they just couldn’t convert on chances.
As the second half progressed, Real Madrid started to get some chances as the momentum shifted back. In the 63rd minute Cristiano Ronaldo was subbed out as RM started to take out the starters. Newly signed midfielder Xabi Alonso was one of the players subbed in as he stepped onto the pitch in a match for the first time in a Real Madrid uniform. The pressure from Madrid proved to be too much in the second half as Benzema was wide open in the box and recieved a pass that he easily put in the back of the net. There was little doubt who would win the match and Real Madrid seemed to never been in trouble even if Toronto had chances.
In the 75th minute as the match seem over, 2nd half substitute Gabe Gala scored a goal on a rebound to give Toronto fans something to cheer about. The match didn’t slow down much as each team made changes throughout and Real Madrid was able to add one more from Robben in the 86th minute to make it 5-1. Overall it was a good performance from the La Liga side who will be looking to challenge Barcelona when the season starts in a few weeks.
| Game Stats | ||
| Real Madrid | Toronto FC | |
| Total Shots: | 17 | 7 |
| Shots on Goal: | 7 | 4 |
| Total Saves: | 3 | 2 |
| Fouls: | 10 | 7 |
| Offsides: | 1 | 1 |
| Corner Kicks: | 10 | 4 |
