Real Madrid 2-2 Arsenal (3-2 on Penalties): 5 Talking Points

Real Madrid won their first pre-season game against Arsenal in the International Champions Cup 2019 . The scoreline read 2-2 at the end of regular time and Madrid won 3-2 on penalties. The goals for Arsenal were scored by Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre Emerick-Aubamayeng. For the Los Blancos, the goals were scored by Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio.

In the first half of the game, both Real Madrid and Arsenal had their chances in front of goal but the latter proved to be more clinical. Lacazette broke the deadlock after putting away the penalty given by Nacho Fernandez. In the process, the Spaniard was given a second yellow and was sent off. For the second goal, Lacazette and Aubmayeng linked very well and the latter doubled the advantage for Arsenal.

However, Sokratis Papastathopolous' rash challenge on Luka Modric numerically evened things up.

In the second half, Zinedine Zidane made lots of changes and it changed the game as Bale and Asensio struck two goals in no time and brought the game back on level terms. The match eventually ended 2-2 in normal time and Madrid won the game 3-2 on penalties.

All in all, both the teams put on a great show for the spectators and through this slideshow, we will take a look at the 5 talking points from the match:

#5 Arsenal's defensive problems on display

If the match against Real Madrid was any indicator, Arsenal clearly do not need reinforcements in the attacking department. However, the defensive department definitely needs a lot of work.

Leading 2-0 against 10-men Real Madrid, the Gunners should've cruised to victory. But, due to the lack of calmness and leadership in the Arsenal defence line, they contrived to let the lead slip.

Additionally, in the second half, Real Madrid were able to cut through the Arsenal defense at will and that would not have pleased Unai Emery. Thus, highlighting that the Gunners' defence needs to improve massively if they are to get back into the top four this season.

#4 Zidane is still looking for the perfect formation

In Real Madrid's first pre-season game, Zinedine Zidane went in with a traditional 4-3-3 which had Karim Benzema leading the line. Against Arsenal though, he started with a 4-4-2 system with Luka Jovic and Benzema playing as the two strikers.

While the experiment didn't last very long, that little phase tells you that Zidane is trying to find a way to fit Eden Hazard, Jovic, and Benzema in the same starting XI.

On paper, this looks a very dangerous attack but to find a formation that suits the traits of all three of them is pretty hard. So, it would be interesting to see how Madrid lineup for their upcoming pre-season games.

#3 Aubameyang and Lacazette come to the fore for Arsenal, again

Last season, Emery found a way to play both Lacazette and Aubameyang together in the starting XI and it is fair to say that Arsenal's best performances last season came when both of them were playing together. And against Real Madrid, they showed exactly why they can form such a lethal duo up front in the coming season.

While Lacazette scored a penalty, Arsenal's second goal embodied the perfect relationship the two strikers enjoy. Lacazette's brilliant touch set Aubmayeng through on goal and the Gabonese made no mistake in putting it away. Both forwards are currently on top of their games and their link-up play is improving with each passing match.

Thus, one feels that Arsenal might not face too many goal-scoring issues in the 2019-20 season.

#2 Eden Hazard fails to impress

Eden Hazard wasn't able to do anything substantial for the second game running for the Los Blancos in the pre-season. He failed to impress against Bayern Munich and he failed to contribute against Arsenal too.

Though the Gunners defended pretty well in the first half, Hazard still lacked the cutting edge whenever Real Madrid attacked. Also, the Belgian looked a little out of shape and he wasn't running as much as was expected of him.

A few weeks ago, the Los Blancos pulled out all the stops to ensure Hazard became the latest in a long list of Galacticos. And while Zidane might not be sweating over the Belgian's form just yet, he would want him to fire on all cylinders soon. After all, time is not a luxury one is afforded at the Santiago Bernabeu.

#1 Marco Asensio and Gareth Bale shine

Before the start of the game, many were wondering what the after effects of Zidane's comments on the Welshman (a few days ago) would be. Well, Bale did start the second half of the match against Arsenal and he was deployed as a striker. Alongside Marco Asensio, the brought much-needed energy and pace to Real Madrid's attack.

Bale brought the Los Blancos back into the game with a tap-in before Asensio scored to make it 2-2 after some brilliant attacking play.

Unfortunately, Asensio picked up a potential season-ending injury towards the end and it looks unlikely that he will be back representing the Los Blancos in 2019.

As for Bale, the Welshman turned in an accomplished display in the aftermath of his manager's controversial comments and served a timely reminder that he still has plenty to offer.

Edited by Shashwat Kumar