The team, which also included another new high-profile signing in Karim Benzema, who cost £30 million from Lyon, took to the field for their match in the Peace Cup against Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad at the Bernabéu with a banner supporting the Madrid 2016 Olympic bid.

 

 

The Bernabéu is due to stage the finals of the football tournament if Madrid's bid to host the 2016 Olympics is successful.

 

Mercedes Coghen, the chief executive of Madrid 2016, said: “This display really demonstrates the commitment of Real Madrid, one of our most high-profile supporters, to achieving our Olympic dream.

 

"Especially now there are just over two months remaining before the final decision is taken on which city will host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2016.

 

“We are also very happy to be working with the Peace Cup in raising its profile and welcome the Saudi team Al-Ittihad to the tournament and to Spain."

 

Since its launch in 2003 the Peace Cup has become an important tournament for clubs preparing for the new European season.

 

This is the first time that the event has been held in Spain, having previously been held in South Korea, and among the other clubs taking part are Seville, Juventus, Aston Villa, Lyon and Besitkas.

 

Madrid is also hoping that the success of Alberto Contador in winning the Tour de France on Sunday will help boost their bid.

 

Born in Madrid, Contador is another high profile supporter of his home city’s bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2016.