Real Madrid

The inaugural match of the 2008 Emirates Cup between Real Madrid and Hamburg not only served to illustrate the physical fitness of the Madridistas, but to also give members of the squad playing time heading into the Spanish Super Cup against Valencia.

Real Madrid took the pitch with a similar look to that of last year's La Liga champions. The only two changes to the starting eleven included Van Nistelrooy getting the nod for the intitial whistle and Sneijder taking position in Baptista's stead.

Speed and solid play
Real Madrid struck first by way of Van Nistelrooy, who was an active participant throughout the match. Robben also put on a tremendous show of speed and technique along the left wing. The Whites controlled the first quarter hour. Van Nistelrooy had the first opportunity following a combination with Raúl, but was unable to break the German defense (min.2). The same two players created Madrid's second near miss, and along with Robben drove Hamburg's defense to the brink (min. 15’). The first goal was only a matter of minutes in coming, but Hamburg also closed in on Dudek's net by way of Guerrero and Olic.

After receiving a pass from Robben, Guti crossed the ball into the box and Van Nistelrooy broke the back of the net in Emirates Stadium (min. 25). The Whites felt more at ease with the advantage and began attacking with frequency, especially up the right wing with Michel Salgado and the midfield through combinations between Guti, Sneijder, and Robben.

Hamburg also tested the waters when Olic received a good ball from Pitroipa, who had beaten Salgado along the right flank (min. 36). Raúl was responsible for the last scoring opportunity of the half, but Rost managed to get a hand on the lob shot (min. 44).

Several changes and slower pace
Zidan replaced Olic after the break to provide a much needed boost for Hamburg. Eight minutes into the second half, the Egyptian found the corner of the net to equalise (min. 53). Both coaches made several other changes; Bernd Schuster nearly tabbed the entire bench and gave playing time to Saviola, Baptista, Higuaín, Callejón, and Parejo.

Under a downpour of rain, Madrid sought the victory in the wanning minutes of the match. With six minutes before the final whistle, a goal produced by the Madridista academy gave Real Madrid their first three points of the tournament. Juanmi Callejón, who had substituted Salgado, flew down the right wing and found an open Dani Parejo, who hammered home the winner.

Five points (three for the victory and two for the goals) which give Real Madrid a great chance to lay claim to the summer trophy. The Whites looked more fit than last Sunday and are well on their way to resembling last year's La Liga champions.