Action from the Al Kass International Cup football match between Real Madrid and Fenerbahce at Aspire Academy yesterday.
Doha: Real Madrid and Fenerbahçe got the seventh Al Kass International Cup underway in thrilling fashion, with the young Spaniards cruising to a 6-2 victory over their determined Turkish counterparts at Aspire Academy here yesterday.
Watched by a capacity crowd including VIPs, dignitaries and hundreds of excited fans Dutch footballing legend Wesley Sneijder – recently signed by Al Gharafa to compete in the QNB Stars League – got things underway by performing 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.
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.
Fenerbahçe were still in the game, despite being 3-1 down.
However, the deficit increased soon after the restart.
Tunc produced a fine save, low to his right of a spot kick, 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. David Franco made it six around the hour mark.
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.
