Real Madrid Snatch Draw In Game of Two Penalties

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 two days earlier, for the second half sparked more creativity from the Spanish side. Aran and Peter Carmona went close with two efforts apiece as the favorites 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’s 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 equalizer 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.