Real Madrid v Galatasaray pre-season friendly: Preview, betting odds and possible XI

Elias Mar Omarsson & James Rodriguez — Real Madrid could only manage a goalless draw against Valerenga in Oslo Reuters

Real Madrid's final friendly before the 2015/16 campaign officially gets under way sees them take on Turkish side Galatasaray in the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy on 18 August.

Overview

Real Madrid will look to return to winning ways in the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy after playing out a drab goalless draw with Norwegian side Valerenga on 9 August in Oslo. The Spanish giants looked solid at the back but lacked a cutting edge going forward, with Welsh forward Gareth Bale only showing flashes of his ability.

Bale will hope to win back the Santiago Bernabeu faithful after he came under fire from sections of Real Madrid's support for his performances during the 2014/15 campaign.

Sergio Ramos, who agreed a new five-year contract with Real on 17 August, and Cristiano Ronaldo are both likely to feature having recovered from minor injury problems, but Karim Benzema (thigh) is a doubt.

The Turkish Super Lig kicked off last week, with Galatasaray drawing their opening game 2-2 with Sivasspor.

Hamza Hamzaoglu's side secured a domestic treble last season and will be eager to test themselves against the superstars of Real.

What managers say

Rafael Benitez: Until August 31, the market is open and there may be movements, but I only speak of the squad that I have. To improve our team is not easy, there are not many players better than the ones that we have and [that are] available on the market. But another way of improving is with quality work - specific work for each player or for each line.

Hamza Hamzaoglu: We have not received a bid which matches our valuation for (left-back) Alex Telles. Therefore we have not allowed him to leave. If a bid comes in close to our valuation we will consider selling.

Form guide