Gareth Bale has served notice that he is ready to shine without Cristiano Ronaldo, factoring in both goals as Real Madrid on Tuesday wrapped up their US tour with a 2-1 win over As Roma.
Bale and Marco Asensio scored for Real Madrid, who put on a strong performance, especially in the first half, in the International Champions Cup friendly at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Real Madrid is hoping Bale is ready to fully evolve into the player they signed for a world record fee in 2013.
Ronaldo, 33, has ended a nine-year spell at Real Madrid by signing with Italian champions Juventus.
“We’re scoring goals and we’re winning matches, so we’re doing well,” Bale said.
“We have to keep improving and we’re really looking forward to starting the new season,” he added.
Asensio, with his third goal of the pre-season, opened the scoring just two minutes into the contest. Bale delivered a brilliant pass to the foot of Asensio, who found the back of the net.
Real Madrid struck again in the 15th minute, with Bale scoring this time, taking an equally superb pass from Dani Carvajal. Bale walked in and beat goalkeeper Robin Olsen to make it 2-0.
Real Madrid were not nearly as dominant in the second half, as most of their starting squad had been subbed off.
Kevin Strootman made it interesting by scoring in the 83rd minute for Roma.
Strootman was left wide open off a throw-in and headed pass, hammering it past the startled Real Madrid goalkeeper.
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