Madrid opens tour with victory over Chivas
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-07-20 17:44

Real Madrid staged a late rally to overcome Mexican side Chivas Guadalajara 3-1 in the opening match of their six-game friendly tour of the United States and Asia on Saturday.

After a lacklustre first half, the match burst into life in the 73rd minute when Francisco Palencia gave Chivas a surprise lead, pouncing on Jhonny Garcia's pass to score from close range.

Madrid's response was almost immediate and the nine-times European champions equalised four minutes later when David Beckham's free kick was headed home by Alvaro Meija.

The Spaniards continued to press for a winner and were rewarded in the 87th minute when midfielder Guti found the net with a blistering strike from outside the penalty area.

Roberto Soldado added the third, seconds before the final whistle.

"It was a very good game for us and very important," Beckham said. "Chivas worked very hard and that was what we needed."

Madrid's next match is against Los Angeles Galaxy on Monday before they depart the U.S. to continue the tour in Beijing, Tokyo and Bangkok.

The Spanish league kicks off at the end of August.

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