The media's foremost duty was to create news and talking points.
The rookie partnership of Yang Yang and Zidane was undoubtedly the most talked-about story in world football. Whether people supported it or not, its news value was right there for all to see, and everyone was paying close attention. As a result, every move Real Madrid made attracted attention.
After playing two warm-up matches in China, Real Madrid flew to Munich, Germany, to participate in the annual Audi Cup.
In the Audi Cup semifinal, Real Madrid defeated Tottenham Hotspur two to nil. James Rodríguez and Di Maria scored in succession, while Yang Yang did not even make the squad and simply took the opportunity to rest.
Three days later, in the Audi Cup final, Real Madrid lost one to nil to hosts Bayern Munich.
Guardiola's team performed excellently throughout the match, while Real Madrid continued to rest its main lineup.
Yang Yang did not play, nor did Hazard, Suarez, David Silva, Modrić, and the others. Casemiro replaced Mascherano as the starting defensive midfielder and played the entire match. His performance was highly commendable and left a deep impression.
Real Madrid conceded in the eighty-eighth minute from a free kick in the attacking third. Douglas Costa assisted Lewandowski's goal. This was also one of Real Madrid's major weaknesses: mistakes defending set pieces.
After the Audi Cup, Real Madrid traveled to Norway for a friendly. Once again, their attack failed to score a single goal, and they eventually drew nil-nil with Norway's Vålerenga. Norway's talented youngster Ødegaard made his first start for the team in that match.
The player had followed Real Madrid throughout their summer training camp, but judging from his current performances, he was still unable to meet the requirements for playing with the First Team, especially under such