Intro from Rajab: this report was written by Hamdi Al-Haddad. Thanks so much mate.

Real Madrid have won their first match in the Emirates Cup against Hamburg with a 2-1 Result. Improved fitness and the mentality for a greater win was obvious. The players showed great professionalism and it was decisive .  

Real Madrid gone into the match with a full squad and had no surprises in the pick besides Van Nisterlooy starting upfront and Sneijder in place of Baptista. The formation was : Dudek; Salgado (Callejón, 80’), Heinze, Javi García, Torres; Sneijder (Parejo, 66’), Guti (Baptista, 56’), Diarra, Robben (Robinho, 73’); Raúl (Higuaín, 56’) and Van Nistelrooy (Saviola, 56’). 

While Hamburg used the following : Rost ; Atouba (Aogo, 60’), Mathijsen, De Jong, Kompany; Trochowski (Reinhardt,. 45’), Jarolim, Demel (Benjamín, 45’) y Pitroipia (Ben – Hatira), 68’); Guerrero (Torun, 71’) and Olic (Zidan, 45’).

The match started in quick pace with Real Madrid having the first chance. The very active Van Nisterlooy had the first shot  of the match which turned easy for the German club defenders. The whites controlled the first 15 min of the game. The goal seemed inevitable with both clubs increased their attacks.  This resulted into a fast breakthrough by Robben who passed the ball to Guti who crossed it to Van Nistlerooy doing what he does best, planting the goal in the net after a superb header in the 25th min of the first half.  After the goal The midfield led by Robben, Guti and Sneijder controlled the rhythm of the gang thus creating lots of chances for Real Madrid in the next few minutes.  This did not stay long as Hamburg started to rebel with Olic receiving  a good ball from Pitroipa, who had beaten Salgado along the right flank.  Raul ended the half with a shot that proves easy for Rost .  

The second half proved to be less active and had a slower pace. Olic was replaced by Zidane who cleary had an undeniable touch on his team. Just eight minutes after Zidane came on he scored the equalizer. This triggered  both managers to change things a bit with Bernd Schuster changing most of the squad bringing on Saviola, Baptista, Higuaín, Callejón, and Parejo. The match was in the finishing minutes and both teams were seeking a winning goal. Real Madrid's Academy player proved he was the one to break the deadlock, Juanmi Callejón, who had substituted Salgado, flew down the right wing and found an open Dani Parejo, who hammered home the winner. 

Five points ( 3 for the win and 1 point for each goal ) this is almost give the Spanish giants a great chance to win the friendly competition . 

Referee: Alan Nelly
Goals:
1-0, min. 25. Van Nistelrooy
1-1, min 53. Zidan
2-1, min. 84. Parej

Next match:

Arsenal vs Real Madrid

3 Aug 08 - 16:15

Post Match Comments : 

Sneijder: “We are physically fit and we have now begun playing teams more on our level. It's important that we win these matches because they boost our morale and confidence heading into the Super Cup.” “I felt good out there, but there's more tomorrow. The match against Arsenal should be interesting. They are a tough team and also in great form.”

Van Nistelrooy: “It was a good day for us. We didn't just beat a team who is about to start its season, but we also feel better each day.” “We are feeling good after all the work done in Austria. It was a tough eleven days, but we start playing official matches soon and the Super Cup is the first title at stake.” “The rivalry in England is incredible. A Manchester-Arsenal match is similar to a Madrid-Barça match, which is why the crowd here whistled at me more than anyone else.”