Mighty Real overwhelm minnows Bournemouth
Cristiano Ronaldo and his Real Madrid team-mates enjoyed their trip to the seaside on Sunday as the Spanish giants romped to a 6-0 victory in a pre-season friendly against English minnows Bournemouth.
Real’s visit to the English holiday resort was one of the more unlikely warm-up fixtures in recent memory, but the presence of such a star-studded line-up sparked a frenzied response in the usually sleepy south-coast town.
When Bournemouth announced details of the glamour friendly at the end of last season, the club were criticised for charging £60 for tickets, but the sell-out 12,000 crowd, many of whom had queued overnight when seats went on sale, demonstrated Real’s pulling power.
Former Manchester United forward Ronaldo was the star attraction, while Luka Modric, Karim Benzema and Mesut Ozil all started, as did recent signings Daniel Carvajal and Isco.
Unsurprisingly given the quality in Madrid’s team, Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth, promoted to the second-tier Champion-ship last season, were quickly overwhelmed by the visitors.
Cheered by all four sides of the ground throughout, Ronaldo, the world’s most expensive player at £80 million, was clearly enjoying himself as he showcased his repertoire of flicks and tricks.
It was no surprise to see Ronaldo break the deadlock in the 22nd minute with a trademark dipping free-kick into the bottom corner.
Ronaldo grabbed his second in the 40th minute, and on the stroke of half-time it was three when Germany’s Sami Khedira converted fellow countryman Ozil’s corner.
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