MY ACCOUNT
Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri hailed Real Madrid as “the strongest team in Europe” after the Spanish giants beat the Bianconeri 2-0 in a friendly in the United States.
A first-half penalty from Karim Benzema was followed by a second-half Marco Asensio tap-in, which was enough to secure the win for LaLiga and Champions League holders Madrid at the Rose Bowl in California in front of a crowd of 93,702.
It was the final game for both teams on their tours of the USA, and Allegri was left upbeat despite the loss.
Speaking to Juventus’ official website, Allegri said: “A good match that concluded a good 10 days’ work in the United States. We were up against the strongest team in Europe, and as long as it was possible to play, we did, trying to manage possession and not give the ball away.
“I am satisfied with the effort from the boys. We can still grow a lot, though, and there are players who have still to return. Tonight there were chances for both sides, and we should have managed ours with a little more patience.
“Now we have a couple of days’ rest and then back to work because the season is approaching.”
Madrid head coach and former Juve boss Carlo Ancelotti was pleased with his own team’s work and believes they are ready for the UEFA Super Cup clash with Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt, which takes place on August 10 in Helsinki.
“[The tour] has been very positive because we haven’t picked up any injuries, aside from a small sprain for [Dani] Carvajal,” Ancelotti told Madrid’s official website.
“The team has worked really well, and we’ve had no issues. It’s been a well-executed pre-season, and now we have the confidence to go and win the European Super Cup”.
