Real Madrid Defeats Philadelphia Union 2-1

La Liga giants Real Madrid defeated the Philadelphia 2-1 in front of 57,000+ fans at Lincoln Financial Field as part of the Herbalife Word Football Challenge. The win means that Real conclude their US trip with a perfect 3-0 record.

It took Madrid less than two minutes to score their first goal when Xabi Alonso played a long ball deep into the Union half that right back Sheanon Williams misplayed, allowing José María Callejón to collect it and fire past keep Faryd Mondragon.

Less than 10 minutes later Mesut Özil took a feed from Karim Benzema, split the Union defense and put Real up 2-0 with a smart finish. It certainly appeared that the rout was on and the pro Real crowd in Philly was enjoying it. However, a combination of the Union and the extreme heat started to wear Real down and they would not find the net again for the rest of the evening. The Union, however, would.

After creating the majority of the chances in the second half, the Union got on the board In the 80th minute when rookie Michael Farfan put a brilliant chip shot from outside the box when he spotted Real goalie Tomas Mejías off his line to trim the lead to one. Philly would push hard for an equalizer late with both Roger Torres and Jack McInerney having good chances in stoppage time, but failing to convert.

It was an inspired fightback for the Union however and they certainly can take pride in giving one of the greatest teams in the world all they could handle for a half. For Madrid, who are in preseason training, a 3-0 record in front of big crowds in America isn’t too bad either.

The big winner tonight could certainly be seen as the city of Philadelphia and specifically Lincoln Financial Field, which is quickly becoming a regular host for major soccer events. A near packed house watched the US men’s national team in their final farewell match before the World Cup. Manchester United filled the arena last year, Real drew 57,312 fans tonight and it was announced earlier this month that the US men would face Mexico in a friendly later this year that is also sure to draw big crowds.

With a home team that sells out every game, the national team stopping by on a regular basis and the biggest teams in the world popping in every year… Don’t look now but it seems as though Philly is a soccer city.

Real Madrid Comes To Philadelphia To Play The Union In A Friendly

The Philadelphia Union return to Lincoln Financial Field for the first time since the beginning of their inaugural 2010 Major League Soccer season to take on La Liga powerhouse Real Madrid.

Coming off of a 1-0 win over English Premier League side Everton, the Union are looking to extend their home unbeaten streak that dates back to the end of the 2010 MLS season. Sitting atop of the Eastern Conference in MLS, the Union have rebounded from a poor first season in 2010 to become one of the best teams in American soccer in only the team's second year.

Madrid come to Philly after dismantling the LA Galaxy 4-1 at the Home Depot Center. Suri Nahin, Fabio Coentrao and a couple of other projected starters or important players may not make appearances at tonight's friendly due to injury, according to Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho.

For more on tonight's friendly, and the Union, head over to the Brotherly Game, SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog.