AS Roma have opened their pre-season account with a narrow win over Real Madrid in the International Champions Cup in Melbourne.
Rudi Garcia's Giallorossi won 7-6 on penalties in front of more than 80,000 fans at the famous MCG after it ended 0-0 after 90 minutes.
It was a largely uninspiring affair in the opening game of the Australia leg of ICC 2015 with both sides happy to knock the ball around, especially throughout the second half.
There were chances early for both teams, namely from Daniele De Rossi who hit the crossbar from close range for Roma, before Sergio Ramos ballooned over the woodwork after a corner for the Spanish giants.
Former Arsenal winger Gervinho was electric at times for the Italian side, striving to make something happen every time he was in possession, and was named Man of the Match for his efforts.
The player that everybody came to see, Cristiano Ronaldo, was rusty early on and was often on a different wavelength to attacking partner Gareth Bale in a below par 45-minute performance from the Portuguese star.
Both Garcia and Rafa Benitez rung the changes at the break, almost completely altering their line-ups, which prompted the match to slow right down during the second lot of 45 minutes.
In the end, however, it was Seydou Keita who proved the difference, after Lucas Vazquez saw his attempt saved by Morgan De Sanctis, with his winning penalty giving Roma two points while Madrid banked one as they now look ahead to Friday's meeting with Manchester City. The Giallorossi take on City on Tuesday.
International Champions Cup - Match 1
Real Madrid (SPN): 0
AS Roma (ITA): 0
*Roma won 7-6 on penalties
Penalty scorers
Real Madrid: Danilo, Kroos, Lucas Silva, Isco, Benzema, Nacho,
Roma: Pjanic, Ljajic, Destro, Florenzi, Iturbe, Paredes, Keita
MCG, Melbourne, Australia - 80,746
