Raul And Soldado Strike In Madrid Win

Real Madrid began their pre-season campaign with a solid 2-0 win over a resolute Stoke City side, who refused to be overawed by their rivals, and did ruffle a few feathers in between.

It was a good outing for Schuster's boys nonetheless, as the likes of Saviola, Pepe, Dudek and Metzelder all made their debuts.

There were also chances for a number of youth team players, and De la Red was one of those who impressed.

Schuster started with a team filled with youngsters, with Granero getting a run-out in a left sided role behind Raul, Balboa on the right, and Bueno alongside Diarra in midfield. Dudek, Pepe and Metzelder got an early run-out, the latter two both impressing.

First Half XI: Dudek - Ramos, Pepe, Metzelder, Torres - Balboa, Diarra, Bueno, Guti, Granero - Raúl.

Sergio Ramos had the ball in the back of the net early, with a typical header from a free-kick, but it was ruled out for a foul in the area.

However, Madrid were duly in front in the 19th minute when Raul made the most of a poor clearance following a cross from Granero.

Once in the lead, Guti ran into form, and was running Balboa into space time and again. However, the home defenders were alert, and kept the deficit to a minimum before the break. Stoke City had their own chances, but Madrid were alert at the back, and kept their opponents to speculative efforts.

Schuster changed the entire team at the break (but for the outstanding Pepe), handing Saviola his debut, and bringing on the likes of Soldado, De la Red and Higuain. Adrian got a chance alongside Emerson in midfield, while young goalkeeper Codina also got a run-out.

Second Half XI: Codina - Salgado, Cannavaro, Pepe, Cicinho - Emerson, Adrián, De la Red, Higuaín - Saviola, Soldado

It was a solid start to the half from Real Madrid again, though they were put under pressure by their opponents, who had clearly been instructed to get a little physical.

Saviola showed flashes of brilliance, but De la Red, who had been handed Guti's role, was the one who caught the eye. Pepe was solid apart from the one lapse when he was turned inside out, and Soldado always looking dangerous.

Indeed, it was the young striker who scored the all important second goal in the 73rd minute, from the spot after De la Red was brought down in the area.

Madrid controlled the game thereafter, with Stoke City more keen on avoiding a humiliation, and happy to stick to their own gameplan. Though Soldado came close again a few minutes later, it ended 2-0. All in all, a positive start for Los Merengues, even though against very modest opponents.

There were also a few hints as to what formation Schuster might use, though nothing concrete as he tried different things in each half. In the first, Raul was often found on his own up front, with Guti, Balboa and Granero supporting him, while in the second, he had Saviola playing behind Soldado, with Higuain and De la Red for support, the latter running the show from midfield.

What was common in both halves was the use of two midfielders who were sitting back, and full-backs bombing up the flanks alternatively. The coming days should help us zero in on what Schuster has in mind.