+ A
A -
Tribune News Network
Doha
Before a capacity crowd including ministers, dignitaries and excited fans, Real Madrid and Fenerbahçe got the seventh Al Kass International Cup under way in thrilling fashion, with the young Spaniards cruising to a 6-2 victory over their determined Turkish counterparts.
~Dutch footballing legend Wesley Sneijder recently signed by Al Gharafa to compete in the QNB Stars League performed the ceremonial kick-off.
And, with the game just five minutes old, Fenerbahçe jolted their opponents out of their rhythm when left back Abdulcebrail Akbulut pounced on a loose ball to power a hard, low shot home. The ecstatic Turks erupted into wild celebrations, but their joy would be short-lived.
Madrid were level following a goalmouth scramble that left keeper Umut Eren Tunc marooned, allowing centre forward Juan Latasa to slot into an unguarded net.
Just before the half-hour, Real were ahead. There seemed little danger when Julio Escorcia picked up the ball wide on the right, but he was allowed to drill in a low cross unchallenged, and Camunas found the net from close range with a side-footed volley.
Fenerbahçe captain Emre Nasuh had a chance to level matters 10 minutes before the break, when he stole the ball and attempted an audacious lob that caught the stiff breeze and sailed over the bar, much to the relief of stranded Madrid stopper Adrian Moya.
Within minutes, Nasuh would have cause to rue his missed opportunity. Madrid number 10 de Frias conjured some skilful footwork on the edge of the Fenerbahçe area before picking his spot and expertly curling a low effort into the left corner.
Determined to go one better than his previous effort, Nasuh almost beat Moya with a rising drive from distance that only just cleared the bar. It was the last meaningful action of the half one that suggested that Fenerbahçe were still in the game, despite being 3-1 down.
However, the deficit increased soon after the restart after substitute Jorge Ramirez powered forward and fed di Frias, who was brought down in the area, leaving referee Moatassim Ahamed little option but to point to the spot. Tunc produced a fine save, low to his right, from Carlos Gonzalez' spot kick, but the Real number 8 made no mistake from the rebound.
A minute later and it was 5-1 after skipper Marcos Blazquez crossed from the right, and an unmarked de Frias headed home from close range at the near post. The midfield powerhouse was soon replaced by Christian Garcia, with Real coach Manuel Fernandez mindful of the need to conserve his young team's energy. The change did nothing to reduce Madrid's dominance, as David Franco made it six around the hour mark.
For the remaining half hour, it was a case of damage limitation for Fenerbahçe, as Madrid remained on cruise control. There was still time for a consolation goal, with Turkish number 15 Omer Beyaz converting from the spot in added time to make the final score 6-2.
Benefica triumph
The second game saw Benfica run out comfortable 4-0 victors against Guangzhou Evergrande, who could nonetheless be proud of their determined defensive display.
Benfica's dreadlocked Jair Tavares soon caught the eye, with his deft footwork and distribution proving a constant threat own the left. Meanwhile, Bernardo Da Silva kept things ticking over in central midfield.
Hugo Nunez dribbled through the Evergrande defence and struck the opener. Soon De Oliviera put the Portuguese two up.
Tavares added the third before Nunez fired the fourth to complete his brace and the rout of the Chinese team.
