Get a Luk in

it was Real who seized early in the second half.

De Gea made a fine save to keep out Kroos’s long-ranger and Marcelo came close to cashing in on a mix-up between Smalling and Mkhitaryan, seeing his deflected shot hit the side netting. Again it was no surprise that Real extended their lead after 52 minutes with another well-taken goal.

Benzema passed the ball in from the left flank for Isco to play a clever one-two with Bale that opened up United’s defence before keeping his cool to guide a low shot past De Gea and into the far corner.

It looked an uphill battle for United, especially in the searing heat. Lukaku however should have pulled a goal back almost immediately. Navas parried Pogba’s header to give the big Belgian an inviting chance 10 yards out, but he lashed his shot wide. It was with his weaker control right foot but when you pay £75million for a striker you expect better. Pogba could not believe the miss by his teammate and nor could Lukaku.

Real hit the woodwork again when Bale crashed a shot against the bar but a hugely relieved Lukaku made amends for his earlier miss in the 62nd minute.

Again Navas presented him with the chance – after fumbling Matic’s powerful shot – but this time Lukaku, in the centre of the goal, really could not miss – and did not.

MAN UTD (3-5-2): Booked: MADRID Goals: Referee: Goal: