The first soccer game played at Dodger Stadium finished with one of the sport's most familiar results: an impressive victory for Real Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored in the 17th minute and set up Mesut Ozil's goal 14 minutes later, leading Real Madrid to the final of the International Champions Cup with a 2-1 victory over Everton on Saturday.
Ronaldo and Ozil starred in soccer's debut at the 51-year-old stadium, keeping Real Madrid unbeaten in pre-season friendlies this summer.
In preparation for soccer's arrival in Chavez Ravine, the Dodgers flattened their pitchers' mound and spread temporary grass over the infield and warning track, creating a workable pitch for a double-header in front of an enthusiastic Southern California crowd that enjoyed a well-played exhibition.
"It was a little bit strange because we didn't play in a football stadium, but the atmosphere, the tradition of this stadium is outstanding," Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said.
"To be in this stadium with such fantastic history is a great thing for us and I was pleased with our performance."
Second-half substitute Nikica Jelavic scored in the 61st minute for Everton, which gave a solid challenge to the Galacticos. Tim Howard, Everton's American goalkeeper, made a handful of brilliant saves to spark chants of "U-S-A" in the crowd.
"Both teams were trying to feel each other out, and it's tough to assess results this early," Howard said. "It felt good out there, though. It felt loud. It felt electric. We had a good time."
The inaugural International Champions Cup matches seven European teams and MLS' Los Angeles Galaxy in an exhibition tournament.
The final is on Wednesday night in Miami, where Real Madrid will face the winner of Chelsea's meeting with AC Milan outside New York on Sunday.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored in the 17th minute and set up Mesut Ozil's goal 14 minutes later, leading Real Madrid to the final of the International Champions Cup with a 2-1 victory over Everton on Saturday.
Ronaldo and Ozil starred in soccer's debut at the 51-year-old stadium, keeping Real Madrid unbeaten in pre-season friendlies this summer.
In preparation for soccer's arrival in Chavez Ravine, the Dodgers flattened their pitchers' mound and spread temporary grass over the infield and warning track, creating a workable pitch for a double-header in front of an enthusiastic Southern California crowd that enjoyed a well-played exhibition.
"It was a little bit strange because we didn't play in a football stadium, but the atmosphere, the tradition of this stadium is outstanding," Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said.
"To be in this stadium with such fantastic history is a great thing for us and I was pleased with our performance."
Second-half substitute Nikica Jelavic scored in the 61st minute for Everton, which gave a solid challenge to the Galacticos. Tim Howard, Everton's American goalkeeper, made a handful of brilliant saves to spark chants of "U-S-A" in the crowd.
"Both teams were trying to feel each other out, and it's tough to assess results this early," Howard said. "It felt good out there, though. It felt loud. It felt electric. We had a good time."
The inaugural International Champions Cup matches seven European teams and MLS' Los Angeles Galaxy in an exhibition tournament.
The final is on Wednesday night in Miami, where Real Madrid will face the winner of Chelsea's meeting with AC Milan outside New York on Sunday.
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