MANCHESTER CITY put in by far their best performance of pre-season as they routed Real Madrid 4-1.
After a goalless first-half, Nicolas Otamendi, Raheem Sterling, John Stones and Brahim Diaz all netted for the Citizens.
Danilo was solid on debut, while fellow arrivals Kyle Walker and Ederson also impressed in a sturdy defensive display.
Oscar Rodriguez scored a late consolation for Real, who have now been beaten by both Manchester clubs and struggled to click going forwards.
Here’s five things we learnt from the friendly clash.
DE BRUYNE pulled all the strings once more for Manchester City.
He is quickly developing into one of their most important players and Pep’s style suits him down to the ground.
The Belgian was given the freedom to roam from the channels to in behind the striker and did so to excellent effect.
His eye-of-the-needle through ball to Raheem Sterling for the second goal was just beautiful.
Latest Manchester City transfer news
PEP GUARDIOLA clearly has faith in young Phil Foden.
The 17-year-old was thrust into the action at the LA Coliseum with what was effectively a first-choice side.
He didn’t look out of place either, and will be pushing for first-team action this season.
GABRIEL JESUS and Sergio Aguero played up top together in a rare occurrence that Man City fans will love to see.
Guardiola was asked this week about signing Alexis Sanchez, but he instead sung the praises of his two strikers.
The pair showed signs they could be a dangerous tandem – most notably in the 21st minute when Jesus latched onto an Aguero through ball and forced Keylor Navas into a save.
EYEBROWS have been raised at City’s spending this summer with over £100m forked out on three full-backs.
That’s a hard figure to justify, but they’re important positions for Pep Guardiola’s system to work.
With Kevin De Bruyne liking to cut inside, the onus is on Kyle Walker, Danilo and Benjamin Mendy to bust a gut and get forward.
Guardiola played three centre-backs in the first half with Walker and Danilo at full-back – something we haven’t seen much of from the Spanish boss.
REAL MADRID have not looked like European champions in their games against Manchester sides on this tour.
Obviously missing Cristiano Ronaldo, who's on his own tour in China, doesn't help.
But there has been very little creative spark from Zinedine Zidane's men during this trip to North America.
Even their goal against United came out of nothing when Victor Lindelof decided to chop down Theo Hernandez and concede a penalty.
Keep up-to-date with all the latest transfer news and gossip in our live blog
Leave a comment