Real Madrid 2-1 Roma: 3 Talking Points

Real Madrid wrapped up their pre-season tour in the US with a comprehensive 2-1 victory over a resurgent Roma - ready to replicate their form from their 4-2 victory over Barcelona.

Madrid on the other had also come into the game after yet another 'Remontada' against Italian Champions Juventus - with the Real Madrid youngsters putting in a stellar show in the second half. Here are some of the main talking points to sum up today's encounter between the two -

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#1 Real Madrid run riot in the first half

Los Blancos were mostly unplayable in the first half as Julen Lopetegui opted for a near full-strength line-up - Dani Ceballos and Sergio Reguilon being the only youngsters to make the starting XI.

A beautiful inside-of-the-boot pass from Gareth Bale to find Marco Asensio in a 1v1 situation with Roma keeper Robin Olsen saw Madrid's first goal of the night just two minutes into the game.

Bale was involved once more, this time on the scoresheet, as he finished Dani Carvajal's pass beyond the keeper for Madrid's second - 15 minutes into the half. Roma played a high line and against the pace of Madrid's forward line, seemed almost suicidal.

With the payers constantly switching positions - especially Asensio and Bale on the wings, the Italians were outplayed for the most part. Madrid's high-intensity counter press and quick switch of play between wings also consistently caught the Italians off.

#2 Julen Lopetegui's philosophy is bearing fruit

Julen Lopetegui

In the first half, Real Madrid looked dominant and sharp, a team clearly eyeing the Madrid derby showdown in Tallin for the UEFA Super Cup. As seen in the game against Juve, Madrid's players seemed intent on playing quick, fluid one-touch football.

The team also employed a comprehensive pressing scheme, with players working hard to regain lost possession and to keep the Roma backline on a tight leash. Roma's high line also directly played into the hands of Los Blancos - as they countered at will through Asensio, Benzema, Bale and Isco, the opening goals for them coming off long balls from the wing to an onrushing forward.

With time and a full-strength squad, this team can seriously go the mile and wage war on all fronts. This team already looks sharp, quick and fluid in their passing and positioning, and one has to attribute some of this to the work done by the new head coach.

#3 All eyes on the new attack

Real Madrid v AS Roma - International Champions Cup 2018

With Cristiano Ronaldo's departure to Juventus, eyebrows were raised on where Madrid's goals will come from - seeing Ronaldo's staggering goal-scoring record for the Spanish giants. This pre-season tour has set the stage for the likes of Bale and Asensio to lay claim to this role.

The look of this Real Madrid team, although still in its rudimentary stages, has provided us of a glimpse of their new attacking line-up, perhaps less reliant on one particular individual. If this will be wholly successful, we will have to wait and see.

But one thing is for sure, this team has looked positive in their tactical set-up, much better organised than under Zidane, with a proper identity and a coach famed for his work with young players. This season will be an interesting one, from both a tactical and footballing stand-point.

The first test for this team will be against city rivals Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup in a week's time and that will perhaps be a better encounter to gauge the progress made by this team and especially their attack.