Afternoon all! Sports Mole's live pre-season coverage continues from Guangzhou as Inter Milan face Real Madrid in the International Champions Cup. This particular competition is hosting games all over the world, but fitness and preparation are on the agenda for both of these sides ahead of the new campaign.

These two teams also met in a pre-season friendly last summer and it was Inter that triumphed 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes. Both of these sides begin their respective league seasons on the same weekend (August 23), but Real Madrid have been the more impressive in pre-season thus far.

The team news has just reached us so let me bring you up-to-speed...

REAL XI: Navas; Danilo, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; Casemiro, Kroos, Isco; Bale, Ronaldo, Jese

We are still waiting on the confirmed team news from Inter, but as for Real Madrid, head coach Rafael Benitez has made three changes to the side that faced Manchester City last time out. Danilo replaces Dani Carvajal at right-back, Casemiro has come in for Luka Modric and Jese Rodriguez has replaced Karim Benzema. Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, is expected to play through the middle for Los Blancos here.

Sergio Ramos, meanwhile, continues to skipper the Spanish outfit. The latest reports are that the centre-back will sign a new long-term deal at the Bernabeu, despite being strongly linked with a move to Manchester United. Further back, it is still Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas between the sticks.

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Inter started their preparations for the new season fairly early, with a clash against Stuttgarter Kickers on July 11 bringing a 4-3 victory. Roberto Mancini's side followed that up with another win against Carpi on July 15, but they have since suffered back-to-back defeats against tough opposition.

Bayern Munich were 1-0 winners over the Italian outfit on July 21, before AC Milan won by the same scoreline on July 25. Pre-season is obviously all about fitness and preparation rather than results, but Mancini will be keen to avoid another defeat here. Winning breeds confidence, even during the off-season.

TEAMS:

INTER: Handanovic; Montoya, Ranocchia, Murillo, Jesus; Brozovic, Kovacic, Kondogbia; Hernanes; Palacio, Icardi

REAL: Navas; Danilo, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; Casemiro, Kroos, Isco; Bale, Ronaldo, Jese

So there we have it. Inter have now confirmed their starting XI. On-loan Barcelona defender Martin Montoya starts at right-back, while Jeison Murillo, who joined from Granada this summer, also brings a La Liga link. Further forward, Geoffrey Kondogbia and Hernandes both start, in addition to star striker Mauro Icardi.

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Inter won five straight Serie A titles from 2005 to 2010, but it has been a real struggle since then. A runners-up finish did occur in the 2010-11 season, but they have since finished sixth, ninth, fifth and eighth in the table. Juventus have well and truly dominated Italian football in recent seasons, but a club of Inter's size should really be challenging for the top four, at the absolute minimum.

Funds were given to Mancini to improve the squad this summer, and that has indeed been the case. Geoffrey Kondogbia, Miranda and Martin Montoya are among those that have arrived in Milan and Stevan Jovetic is also close to completing a move from Manchester City. It is a massive season for the San Siro outfit.

As for Real Madrid, Benitez has been brought in to wrestle the La Liga title away from Barcelona and in truth, a trophyless season will probably see the managerial merry-go-round continue. Los Blancos are building up to the start of La Liga on August 23, and they still have four pre-season games to play.

Benitez's first game in charge of the Spanish outfit was a 0-0 draw against Roma in Melbourne, but the team returned to winning ways in impressive fashion with a 4-1 success over Manchester City on July 24. The manner of the victory would have impressed Benitez the most, with Man City simply struggling to deal with the Spanish giants. It must be said that the atmosphere is really building here as kickoff approaches!

Looking forward, Real Madrid will also face AC Milan – on Thursday – before leaving this leg of their pre-season tour and returning to Europe. On August 4, they will face more Premier League opposition in the shape of Tottenham Hotspur in the Audi Cup at the Allianz Arena. Busy times ahead, that is for certain.

Real Madrid's final pre-season match is against Valerenga on August 9, and training will then take on new significance ahead of the new campaign. On paper, Los Blancos' start to the Spanish season is favourable. They open away to newly-promoted Sporting Gijon on August 23, before facing Real Betis (H), Espanyol (A) and Granada (H) in their next three matches. Benitez will certainly expect four from four early on.

Some interesting quotes have emerged from Inter forward Icardi, who has recently told AS: "Real Madrid tried to sign me, but I'm glad I renewed [my contract] with Inter." The Argentine was linked with a move to the Bernabeu this summer, but eventually penned a new long-term deal at the San Siro.

Little over five minutes until kickoff and there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium. There have been some cracking pre-season matches between Europe's finest in recent days, let's hope for another!

Here we go then. Both sets of players have joined us on the pitch in Guangzhou. It must be said that the humidity inside the stadium is quite overpowering, which might mean a considered approach.

There are a lot of excited spectators inside the stadium here!

KICK OFF! Inter will feel that they should be back among Europe's elite clubs. Well, they are in that company here. This will be another good test for the Serie A club. Real get the action underway.

Real Madrid have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes, with Bale already having the chance to open his legs down the left, but the Welshman's cross is just too strong for Ronaldo.

Half-chance for Inter in the early moments as Hernanes delivers a dangerous cross towards Icardi, but the Argentine somehow misses his header and Real Madrid manage to clear. All it needed was a slight touch!

Inter's bright start continues as Kovacic drives into the Real Madrid half before finding Palacio, who delivers a super cross towards Icardi, but the Argentine is penalised for a push. Roberto Mancini will be pleased with his team's start, but Real Madrid have had a couple of chances to counter already.

CHANCES! Jese delivers a super cross onto the head of Bale, but the Welshman's effort is straight at Handanovic. Bale then collects a through pass from Isco, but drags his shot wide of the post.

Real Madrid have already claimed some silverware this summer - winning the Australian leg of the ICC. Inter, however, as mentioned, have lost their last two pre-season games 1-0. It has been a very bright opening seven minutes to this match, with both teams committing numbers each time they break forward.

Icardi has been very bright for Inter in the opening nine minutes, with the striker already turning Pepe and causing the Real Madrid defence some problems. Both teams are moving the ball very quickly early on.

SAVE! Another opportunity for Real Madrid as Ronaldo bursts into the Inter box, but the attacker's low strike is saved by Handanovic and gathered at the second time of asking. Good stuff from the stopper.

The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments due to a number of late challenges. Neither team are holding back at the moment as the tempo continues to rise. Just a reminder that there will be no extra-time, but penalties will occur if the score is level at 90 minutes.

Good stuff from Inter as Icardi combines with Kovacic just outside the Real Madrid box, but the return pass is just too strong and Navas is out to claim. The threat from Icardi is quite clear, even at this stage.

Ronaldo free kick time...

... SAVE! It is a beautiful dipping free kick from Ronaldo, but Handanovic pushes over the crossbar!

CHANCE! Inter are living on the edge at the moment as Real Madrid again counter with Jese, who slides a super pass into Ronaldo, but the Portuguese's low strike is just wide of the far post! Close!

Still no goals with 19 minutes on the clock, but it must be said that this has been a super game thus far. Real Madrid will feel that they should be ahead, but Inter have also had some good moments in the final third. The tempo is high despite the humidity inside the stadium, which is really strong at the moment.

It has been a good spell for Inter in the last couple of minutes, with Brozovic and Palacio both causing problems in wide areas. Possession football for the Serie A club as this first period continues to develop.

CLOSE! Icardi's low strike just curls wide of the Real Madrid post. Navas was scrambling!

Ronaldo finds himself on the right this time and delivers a super cross towards Jese at the far post, but Jesus is on hand to clear for a corner as Real Madrid enjoy a period of pressure. Eventually Casemiro picks up a loose ball outside the box and his low effort is just deflected wide of Handanovic's post.

DOUBLE SAVE! Wonderful goalkeeping from Handanovic once again as the Inter stopper gets down low to deny Isco from outside the box, before rising to his feet to deny Jese. Excellent work there!

How on earth is this game still 0-0? It has been a super 25 minutes.

The match has just settled in the last three minutes or so, with Real Madrid keeping hold of the possession in the middle of the park. This game is all about fitness and preparation, but winning breeds confidence. I suspect that both managers will look to fully utilise their squad in the second period this afternoon.

Real Madrid take the lead in the 29th minute as Jese collects a wonderful pass from Marcelo, before creating a yard of space and wrong-footing the Inter goalkeeper. Excellent finish from the Spaniard!

In truth, the first goal had been coming and Jese, who has been very lively thus far, showed excellent ability to settle inside a crowded box. We are just having a water break here, which is definitely needed!

This is almost like a time-out in basketball - quite bizarre actually. Both managers are on the field.

We are back underway following that designated water break. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and you just get the feeling that Inter cannot afford to concede another at this stage.

Real Madrid are firmly on the front foot at the moment as they continue to deliver crosses from wide areas, but Handanovic has been very good in the Inter goal - he has needed to be. Still 1-0 to Los Blancos here.

We have not seen too much from Bale thus far, with Ronaldo and Jese Real Madrid's two biggest threats in the final third of the field. Down the other end, Icardi has been a little quiet after a bright start.

CHANCE! Real Madrid have another wonderful chance as Jese leads a counter attack before finding Ronaldo, who has the freedom of the penalty area, but his toe-poked effort is saved by Handanovic.

Oh no - it is Mexican wave time! It seems to have inspired Inter to deliver into the Real Madrid box as two crosses come close to finding Icardi, but Pepe and Ramos are on hand to clear the danger downfield.

Both managers will be able to take positives from the first 45 minutes of action here. Real Madrid have been the better team and indeed the more threatening, but Inter have had some decent moments in the final third. Kondogbia battles his way through the Real Madrid midfield and wins a free kick outside the box.

Half-chance for Inter as Hernanes delivers a dangerous cross towards Icardi, but the Argentine just cannot make contact and Real Madrid manage to clear their lines. Not long left to play in this first period.

Super defending from Montoya as the on-loan Barcelona right-back gets across to challenge Jese, who had burst into the Inter box once again. Jese has outshone both Ronaldo and Bale in this first period here.

Kovacic fires a powerful effort straight at Navas as Inter end the first half on the front foot.

Kondogbia has come to the forefront late in the first period as Inter win another free kick...

... SAVE! Hernanes bends his free kick towards the top corner, but Navas makes a flying save!

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Real Madrid leading 1-0 courtesy of a really smart finish from Jese Rodriguez, who has been the Spanish club's best player thus far. Inter have had their moments, meanwhile, with Icardi and Kondogbia both causing problems to Los Blancos.

BENCH WATCH! Of course, a whole host of changes will occur either at the interval or throughout the second period. The likes of Longo, Guarin, Santon and Nagatomo will all hope to see minutes for Inter, while Benitez is expected to use players in the shape of Varane, Silva, Modric, Cheryshev and Casilla.

Real Madrid are again playing a front three this afternoon, but Jese is the player operating through the middle. Ronaldo has been dangerous, as expected, cutting inside, but Bale has not really made his influence known thus far. Just how the Spanish side's attack line up in the new season is going to be fascinating.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period of action. Both teams are going to make changes here, so bare with me while I confirm who has departed and who has entered!

REAL SUBS: Nacho, Varane, Vasquez, Casilla and Cheryshev have all entered the field for Real Madrid at the break. Exiting are Ramos, Navas, Pepe, Bale and Ronaldo. Inter team news to follow...

CHANCE! Real Madrid come close to scoring a second early in the second period as Isco curls one towards the bottom corner, but Jesus manages to make the block. Moments before, a dangerous cross from Vasquez had caused problems inside the Inter box. Incidentally, Inter made no half-time changes here.

CLOSE! Cheryshev is next to come close for Real Madrid after combining with Isco, but the Russian's powerful effort flies over the crossbar. Los Blancos have started this half on the front foot.

Better from Inter in the last couple of moments as they threaten with two corners in quick succession. Real Madrid, however, manage to counter once again with Cheryshev, who has been bright since entering the field. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals here as the match continues to open up.

BOOKING! Hernanes (Inter) is booked for a late challenge on Marcelo.

INTER SUB: Gnoukouri replaces Brozovic in Inter's first change.

Half-chance for Inter as Hernanes delivers a super free kick towards Kondogbia, who flicks his header towards goal, but it takes a deflection off Nacho and drops behind for a corner. The resulting set piece is met by Ranocchia, but Navas is on hand to collect. Inter have grown into the second period here.

Real Madrid double their lead just before the hour as Varane, who had stayed forward from a set piece, volleys home from close range after a clever cross from Vasquez. That might well be game over here.

Real Madrid are looking dangerous each time they break forward at the moment as Cheryshev delivers another cross from a wide area, but Jesus is on hand to clear. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining.

Cheryshev, who has been excellent since entering at the break, has another half-chance for Real Madrid after bursting down the left, but the Russian's attempt flies across goal. More changes are on the way...

... REAL SUBS: Silva, Arbeloa and Carvajal are on for Marcelo, Danilo and Kroos.

Matches can become a little disjointed when there are so many changes - let's hope that is not the case here. Inter are preparing to make just their second sub, with Guarin receiving his final instructions.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, but Inter are seeing more of the ball, which is good for the game. Three changes for the Italian side are about to occur here.

BOOKING! Jesus (Inter) is booked for dissent.

INTER SUBS: Guarin, Longo and Santon are on for Hernanes, Palacio and Murillo.

Inter again break down the right, this time with Santon, who delivers towards the near post, but Varane is on hand to clear the danger. Little over 20 minutes remaining and we suddenly have a game again.

Not too much from Real Madrid in terms of chances in the last five minutes or so, but the Spanish side still have an obvious threat on the counter attack, even without Ronaldo and Bale, and Benzema.

Little over 15 minutes of football remaining and the two teams are still separated by goals from Jese and Varane. In truth, not too much is happening at the moment in terms of opportunities, with the majority of football occurring in the middle of the park. Both managers will want to see a strong finish to this game.

Half-chance for Inter as Longo works the ball into Guarin, who takes one touch before trying his luck, but the midfielder's effort was always flying wide of the post. It is time for another water break here...

... REAL SUBS: James Rodriguez, Lazo and Llorente replace Jese, Isco and Casemiro.

In truth, the second period has been very stop-start due to a number of stoppages, which is not that surprising in a pre-season match. Inter are preparing to make as many as four changes now...

... INTER SUBS: Popa, D'Ambrosio, Taider and Nagatomo replace Kovacic, Kondogbia, Jesus and Montoya. Oh the joy of multiple changes at once - it is especially excellent for us reporters!

Will we have any more goals? Not an awful lot is happening at the moment truth be told.

It does appear that Inter are going to lose their third straight game without scoring, which is hardly ideal preparation for the new campaign. Jovetic, however, will surely improve their scoring chances.

SAVE! With no Ronaldo, James Rodriguez takes over free-kick duties for Real Madrid. The Colombian bends his effort towards the bottom corner, but Handanovic is on hand to make a super save.

That is very, very special. James Rodriguez just came close with a free kick and this time the Colombian bends one into the top corner. Sensational set piece from the attacker on his return to the team!

BOOKING! Arbeloa (Real Madrid) is booked for a late challenge on Iturbe.

We are into the second and final minute of additional time in China.

The referee brings the second period to a close with Real Madrid running out 3-0 winners over Inter Milan in the International Champions Cup. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!