Former champions Real Madrid snatch a draw from Suwon

Former winners Real Madrid came from behind to snatch a draw against South Koreans Suwon Samsung in a game of two penalties.Yong Joon Cho put Suwon ahead on 71 minutes but the Koreans’ hopes of victory were dashed when the impressive Pau Aran levelled in the closing stages.The Spaniards controlled the first half but created few chances as the South Koreans got everyone behind the ball and made it difficult for Real to find a route to goal.The introduction of Aran, who starred in Real’s 3-2 victory over Spartak Moscow earlier in the campaign, for the second half sparked more creativity from the Spanish side. Aran and Peter Carmona went close with two efforts apiece as the favourites stepped up a gear and it seemed a matter of time before Real took the lead.But the Koreans stunned the Spaniards when taking the lead with a harshly-awarded penalty. Intaek Hwang went down but Rafael Zamora appeared to have played the ball and could not believe a penalty had been awarded, and Cho made no mistake with a perfect spot-kick.Talented Icelandic youngster Andi Gudjohnsen — the son of former Chelsea and Barcelona star Eidur — and Victor Gordo went close with headers as Real tried to find an equaliser and they appealed for a penalty after Carmona and keeper Kim collided when going for a high ball, which led to the Spaniard being taken off with a cut to his head.As Real pushed forward, the Koreans made a dangerous counter attack that saw Hojoon Lee through on goal but Miguel Ramon did well to get back to make a crucial tackle.Real finally drew level on 90 minutes after Zamora was brought down. Initially a free-kick was awarded but VAR intervened and the decision was changed to a penalty. Aran stepped up to score his second goal of the tournament, beating the outstretched hand of Kim from the resultant spot kick.With seven minutes added on, following the delay caused by Carmona’s injury, Real tried to find a winner but despite the influence of player of the match Gudjohnsen they had to settle for point.ALTINORDU OVERCOME ESSTournament debutantes Altinordu claimed a deserved 1-0 victory at the death against Etoile Sportive du Sahel, who showed limited ambition for much of the game. However, the match was perhaps most notable for the controversial application of VAR technology, which saw a goal ruled out for either side.In the opening stages of this match, Altinordu more than held their own, their neat interplay frequently leaving the Tunisians chasing lengthening shadows as the sun set over Aspire Academy.For much of the first half ESS were pinned back, with the Turks enjoying the vast majority of possession. Even so, they seemed in no hurry to test Tunisian keeper Hassen Fradj, content instead to stroke the ball around and await an opportunity, which duly arrived on 40 minutes.There seemed little danger when Alihan Senturk picked up the ball midway inside the ESS half on the left, but the skilful forward set off on a slaloming run, easily beating two defenders before striking low and hard into the far corner. The watching Turkish fans were delirious, but their joy was short-lived following the intervention of VAR technicians, who had spotted a foul in the centre circle in the build-up to the goal.Altinordu were on the ropes and, with five minutes left, substitute Makram Krifa had the ball in the net for ESS, only for VAR to once again intervene and grant the Turks a reprieve, with the ‘goal’ ruled out for the most marginal of offsides.Two minutes later, Altinordu took full advantage of their good fortune, as substitute Enis Destan rose to meet a looping cross and head home the winner. On balance, it was no more than the Izmir side deserved for an accomplished display that oozed class, while lacking a cutting edge at times. Next they face Bayern, in a match that the Germans must win to have any chance of advancing past the group stage. If today’s game is anything to go by, the Munich titans will have their work cut out.