Real Madrid vs. Guangzhou Open Thread

Alright, no beating about the bush on this one. I can't watch this match. But if someone who can--maybe one of my wonderful writers/co-editor--would like to post comments...well, that would be fantastic.

Honestly, I wish I could watch this match, if only to see the much-anticipated debut of Madrid's wonderful new signing, Nuri Sahin, who will--if we're lucky--feel ready to play after having sat out much of the pre-season because of an injury he picked up in Los Angeles.

If early indications are correct, Madrid's starting 11 will more or less mirror last season's: it will shift between a 4-2-3-1 with a double pivot featuring Alonso and Khedira (or maybe Coentrão), with Benzema, Di María (or Coentrão), Ronaldo, and Özil making up the attacking four, and a 4-3-3 with a Pepe-Alonso-Khedira (or Coentrão) defensive trident, and a Özil, Ronaldo, Benzema (or Di María) attacking trident. Should at least be interesting to see what players get to play where in this match.

But, if nothing else, this game should serve as a warm up for the much more important task facing the team--beating Barcelona in the Supercopa on August 14th. Let's hope that no one gets injured, and let's all try and be happy for our little Angel Di María--he's a man now, officially, after getting married last week!