Aspire International look real deal after downing Madrid

Action during the match between Aspire International (in white) and Real Madrid (in black) during the 2015 Al Kass International Cup.

By Sports Reporter/DohaAspire International produced a clinical performance to defeat Real Madrid 1-0 in Day 3’s final game. In a repeat of the 2014 final, both Aspire and Real came into this match off the back of convincing victories over Schalke 04, making this tie a contest for first place in Group B. This year’s Aspire squad contains 16 changes from the 2014 vintage. In contrast, the Real side has maintained continuity, and their familiarity with one another was quickly apparent as they established a smooth passing groove.Aspire’s physical approach occasional strayed into dangerous territory, with Alasana Manneh receiving a yellow card on 27 minutes after crudely hacking down Ousama Siddiki. Meanwhile, Jean Myondo was extremely fortunate not to receive a caution after two high challenges. Oscar Rodriguez was proving integral to his side’s chances, and in added time at the end of the first half he almost succeeded in lobbing Uzoho from at least 40 yards, only to see his effort drop just wide of the left post.Aspire international began to show more attacking intent as the second half progressed, and on 53 minutes the Spanish defence did not clear its lines and Ramazan Orazov struck a fierce drive that Marino only just managed to keep out. Aspire were increasingly threatening Real’s backline, with left-winger Ishmael Baidoo in particular asking questions of Achraf Mouh. Aspire made Real pay for this profligacy with a piece of stunning individual brilliance. Jean Amani showed supreme skill to wriggle past several challenges as he advanced through the inside right channel, before exchanging passes with Rogerson and smashing the ball hard and low into the bottom left corner. In the 80th minute Real had a golden opportunity to level, when Martin had a free header but directed his effort wide. Real began to pile on the pressure but Aspire defence held firm.And, on 84 minutes Washington Becerra had a chance to put the result beyond doubt but a heavy touch allowed the keeper to save.Aspire International saw out the remaining moments with ease, and found the net for a second time in the dying moments only for Oralkhan Omirtayev’s goal to be ruled out for offside.They now head into the knockout stages as group winners, without having conceded a goal in their first two games. Already, their defence of the Al Kass trophy appears formidable.