Miami: It turned out to be a bad day for Spanish football giants Real Madrid and Barcelona as both lost their friendly games Tuesday against Manchester United and Roma respectively. Man U beat Real Madrid 2-1 while Roma overcame a lacklustre Barcelona 4-2 at Arlington.
Jose Mourinho was finally given something to smile about as a tempestuous trip to the United States ended with a victory over club Real Madrid thanks to first half strikes from Alexis Sanchez and Ander Herrera.
Mourinho has cut a miserable figure during their two- week trip to the United States, lashing out at a lack of transfer activity while reserving stinging criticism for a number of first team players.
But seeing his side establish a two-goal lead in the first half was encouraging, as was holding Real at bay after Karim Benezema’s goal just before the interval gave the Spanish side hope of mounting a comeback.
Brazilian Fred, who was signed earlier this summer for USD 52 million, was making his first United start and looked comfortable in his new surroundings. And on 18 minutes, United were ahead. Ander Herrera fed Matteo Darmian and teed up Sanchez who clinically swept the ball home. The second goal came nine minutes later. Darmian lifted the ball to Mata and once the Spaniard had regained his composure he crossed for Sanchez who was able to divert the ball into the path of Herrera who made no mistake.
Bale curled wide soon after but just before the interval, Benzema tapped in an excellent Theo Hernandez cross to give the vast amounts of Madrid fans here something to cheer.
Meanwhile Barcelona started brilliantly against Roma with Rafinha scoring in the sixth minute. The Italian side equalised in the 35th minute when Stephen El Sharaarawy got a perfect pass from Justin Kluivert in the penalty area and converted.
Barcelona again went ahead in the second half, with a 49th minute goal from their new Brazilian recruit Malcom. However, three quick goals by Alessandro Florensi (78th), Bryan Cristante (83rd) and Diego Perotti (86th) sealed the win for the Italian side.