Afternoon all! Sports Mole's live pre-season coverage continues from Germany as Real Madrid face Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-finals of the Audi Cup. Real Madrid are further along in their preparations, but Spurs begin their Premier League season this weekend against Manchester United. It has all come round very quickly indeed! The scene is set for hopefully an entertaining game of football.

First and foremost, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news.

So there we have it. Real Madrid are without injured pair Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, neither of whom made the trip to Munich. As a result, James Rodriguez returns to the starting XI, while Jese Rodriguez is also included. Danilo and Raphael Varane are preferred to Dani Carvajal and Pepe.

It is also a special game for a certain Gareth Bale, who is taking on his former club for the first time. The Welshman left Spurs for Real Madrid in 2013 having played more than 200 times for the Premier League club. If Manchester United had their way, they would have the 26-year-old back in England.

As for Spurs, Kevin Wimmer is preferred at centre-back to Jan Vertonghen, while Danny Rose has replaced Ben Davies in the left full-back position. Further forward, Eric Dier will seemingly again operate in midfield, with new signing Dele Alli also selected. Harry Kane will lead the line for Spurs.

HEAD-TO-HEAD! In total, these two teams have met on four occasions. Real Madrid have won three of those particular matches, while one draw has also occurred. Two of those games were back in the 1985/86 UEFA Cup, when Tottenham lost 1-0 at home, before the pair played out a 0-0 draw in Madrid. More recently, the pair clashed in the quarter-finals of the 2010/11 Champions League and it was Real Madrid that won 5-0 on aggregate against the Premier League outfit.

Real Madrid are not actually in competitive action until August 23, when they open their new La Liga campaign away to newly-promoted Sporting Gijon. While Barcelona have a full schedule of European Super Sup and Spanish Super Cup exploits, Real Madrid have a clear build-up to the new campaign, which is just what Rafael Benitez would have wanted - more time to work on shape and style.

Real Madrid will, as mentioned, face two matches this week, before closing their pre-season against Valerenga at the weekend. It has been a successful pre-season for Los Blancos thus far – comfortably beating Manchester City and Inter Milan, before overcoming AC Milan on penalties last time out.

Technically, Real Madrid have suffered one defeat in pre-season, but that loss did come on penalties to Roma following a 0-0 draw. The Spanish outfit have only conceded once during pre-season, which is a clear target for Benitez in the new campaign. Defensive improvement is the name of the game.

There is expected to be a lot of movement in terms of transfers before the start of the season, but it does appear that newly-appointed captain Sergio Ramos will be staying at the Bernabeu. Whether Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea arrives from Manchester United remains to be seen, but there is no question that Los Blancos will again be a force to be reckoned with in the new campaign.

Talking of the new season, Real Madrid's start to La Liga is favourable. As mentioned, they open up away to Sporting Gijon on August 23, before welcoming Real Betis on August 30. Next comes a trip to Espanyol, before they host Granada after the international break. On paper, it should be four wins.

Benitez's task at Real Madrid this season is quite simple, but extremely complicated at the same time. Wresting the La Liga title back from Barcelona is of the utmost importance, but beating Luis Enrique's side to the crown in the new campaign is not exactly the easiest of assignments. Success once again in the Champions League will also be expected. Benitez simply must deliver trophies next season.

Real Madrid are only in the middle of their preparations for the new campaign, but the same cannot be said for Spurs, who open their Premier League season away to Manchester United this weekend. It is not the kindest of starts for the capital outfit, who were beaten 2-1 by MLS All Stars in their first official pre-season match on Thursday - not quite what the supporters would have been looking for.

Harry Kane found the back of the net for Spurs in Colorado, but goals from familiar faces Kaka and David Villa meant that Mauricio Pochettino's side suffered a narrow defeat. There is no time for Spurs to dwell on the result, however, as they face two quick-fire games, starting with Real Madrid. Tomorrow, they will either face Bayern Munich or AC Milan, either in the final of the competition or the third-place playoff match. Bayern and Milan will meet in the second semi-final later this evening.

Not too much has been made of Spurs' summer business, but they have made some smart signings in the window, bringing in Toby Alderweireld, Kevin Wimmer and Kieran Trippier to boost the defence. There is a feeling that the squad is still light in forward areas, however, and it is understood that their movement in the market is far from complete at this stage, which is good news for Spurs supporters.

Tottenham cannot really afford a slow start to the season, however, with a series of tough games in the opening weeks. As mentioned, they travel to Manchester United on August 8, before welcoming Stoke City one week later. They then travel to Leicester City, before welcoming Everton. Can they finish in the top four this season? It is going to be very difficult indeed such is the level of competition.

Just a reminder that Real Madrid are without both Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema for this match through injury. Jese will seemingly operate through the middle for the Spanish outfit, with James and Bale either side. As for Spurs, Kane is the lone frontman once again. There is no Roberto Soldado in the squad, meanwhile, as the Spaniard closes on a return to Spain with Villarreal.

PREDICTION! Even without Ronaldo and Benzema, I fancy Real Madrid here. Both teams have quality in the final third, but I just think that the Spanish side will dominate the middle of the park, with Modric and Kroos such an impressive pair. My score prediction from Munich is Real Madrid 2-0.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first 45 minutes of action. Both teams have another game tomorrow and therefore it will be interesting to see the intensity of the fixture.

KICK OFF! Not quite a full house inside the stadium, but there is a strong atmosphere. Let's hope that the supporters are treated to a good game. It is Spurs that get the action underway...

... possession football from Spurs in the opening moments here, with Wimmer and Alderweireld both seeing plenty of the ball. Alli seems to be playing in a deep midfield position alongside Dier here.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Spurs to take the lead as Rose drives down the left before putting a cross on a plate for Lamela, but somehow the Argentine fires high and wide. What a miss!

Spurs have made a positive start to proceedings in Munich, while it has been a little untidy from Real Madrid thus far. In truth, Spurs should really be ahead, but Lamela somehow missed from close range.

CROSSBAR! Real Madrid come within inches of taking the lead as Jese smashes one towards the top corner from a wide angle, but his effort hits the crossbar. Stinging drive from the Spaniard!

SAVE! Wonderful goalkeeping from Vorm as the Spurs stopper somehow makes contact on a low strike from Jese, who has been very dangerous thus far. All happening at the moment!

Well, it has been a super opening 10 minutes to this match. Sometimes pre-season games can take a while to get going, but that has not been the case here. Just a reminder that both of these teams will also be in action tomorrow in either the final or third-place playoff of this particular competition.

Alli is a touch fortunate to hear the whistle blown after losing possession to Bale in a dangerous area. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, but the intensity is still high in the middle of the park. It must be said that the pitch is also in wonderful condition in Munich.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Casilla gets down well to make a smart save from an Eriksen drive.

The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of minutes following a host of late challenges. Real Madrid have just started to force the issue once again, meanwhile.

James Rodriguez tries his luck for Real Madrid after finding space outside the box, but his effort was always moving high of the crossbar. The majority of the attacking football is coming from Real.

Both teams are attempting to stretch the play at the moment, with Walker and Rose both very wide for Spurs, while Danilo and Marcelo are also pressing forward for Real Madrid. I would be astounded if we did not have a few goals in this game. The opening 19 minutes of action have just flown past.

It has not quite happened for Bale thus far, with the Welshman again conceding possession in a forward area. Jese has been Real Madrid's biggest threat thus far, with the Spaniard hitting the crossbar early on before bringing a top save from Vorm. Not much from Spurs at the moment.

End-to-end football in the last couple of minutes, but both teams have been guilty of failing to find that final pass. Not too much to report in terms of chances as this first period continues to develop.

Dier has dealt with the threat of Bale extremely well thus far in an unfamiliar central midfield position. Alli, meanwhile, has shown nice ability in possession - two big positives for Spurs. As for Real Madrid, they have gone a little cold in the last few minutes, with Jese and James just fading out of the game.

Just a reminder that we will not have extra-time this evening, with a penalty shootout to decide the match if the score is level at 90 minutes. After this one, Bayern Munich will take on AC Milan.

CHANCE! Bale comes close to sending Real Madrid ahead after meeting a wicked free kick from Isco, but the Welshman's header flies wide of the post. Not too far away from an opener!

Real Madrid have had the chance to threaten from a couple of set pieces in the last few moments, but the quality of the delivery has not been too impressive. Still goalless with 33 minutes played here.

SAVE! Real Madrid come close to taking the lead as Modric has a shot deflected towards the Spurs goal, but Vorm just about manages to claw clear. Excellent work from the stopper!

Real Madrid make the breakthrough in the 36th minute as James heads an Isco cross into the back of the net. Not sure about some of the defending, with Rose beaten in the air by the Colombian.

Kane has been seriously isolated for Spurs for long spells of this first period, which was a problem in the latter stages of last season. The London side really need another centre-forward before the transfer window slams shut in little under a month. Real Madrid are in control of matters here.

Little under five minutes of the first period remaining and in truth, Spurs are struggling to make their mark at the moment. Real Madrid are fairly comfortable in all areas of the pitch as things stand.

Plenty of tasty challenges occurring at the moment as Dier again slides into Isco, who was simply too quick for the Spurs midfielder. We are expecting a whole host of changes at the break - great!

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Real Madrid leading 1-0 courtesy of a header from James, who finished past Vorm at the near post. Spurs have had some decent moments in the final third, but it has been a first half dominated by the La Liga outfit.

STATS! Somewhat surprisingly, the two teams shared the possession in the first period. However, Real Madrid had six attempts to Spurs' two and also four on target. Jese twice came close early on, but rattled the crossbar before bringing an excellent save from Vorm. Lamela had Spurs' best chance in the early stages, but somehow fired high and wide following a low cross from Rose.

BENCH WATCH! Both teams are expected to make a whole host of changes at the interval. Those that could enter for Real Madrid include Carvajal, Casemiro, Pepe, Arbeloa, Vasquez and Cheryshev. Spurs, meanwhile, have the likes of Fazio, Chadli, Mason, Trippier and Vertonghen in reserve.

Here we go then. Both sets of players rejoin us on the field for the second period. As expected, there are a number of changes ready to be made. Bare with me while I confirm who has entered...

... REAL SUBS: Two changes as Casemiro and Vasquez replace James and Kroos.

SPURS SUBS: Chadli, Bentaleb and Vertonghen have replaced Lamela, Wimmer and Dier.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the early moments of the second period, with both teams attempting to settle in possession of the ball. The changes are expected to flow as the half progresses, meanwhile, which is excellent news for us reporters - it is always fun keeping up!

Kane has taken a few tasty challenges thus far in Munich, which will not have gone down too well with the Spurs boss! Just a reminder that Spurs open their Premier League season away to Manchester United this weekend. Before that, they will also face either Bayern Munich or AC Milan tomorrow.

Kane has lacked service thus far, but a smart run from the England international does gain a corner for his team. Chadli delivers towards the near post, but Ramos is on hand to head clear of the box.

Half-chance for Spurs as Eriksen finds space outside the Real Madrid box, but his effort was always rising over the crossbar. Still 1-0 Real Madrid worth 54 minutes on the clock at the Allianz.

BOOKING! Ramos (Real) is booked for a tasty challenge on Eriksen.

There have been a number of tasty challenges in this match, which is always good to see in pre-season. Not from the managers' point of view, but for the fans. More changes are incoming here...

REAL SUBS: Arbeloa and Cheryshev replace Marcelo and Jese.

REAL SUB: Illarramendi has also replaced Modric.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, with the raft of changes interrupting the flow of the match. Spurs still trail by the one goal with 62 minutes played.

You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital in terms of the final result. It would be difficult to see Spurs recovering from 2-0 behind, but 1-1 and it is game on.

The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of minutes following a number of late challenges - it has been that type of game! Pochettino must be a touch worried.

REAL SUBS: Asensio and Nacho replace Isco and Ramos.

SPURS SUBS: Carroll and Winks replace Eriksen and Alli.

In truth, we have had a chance of real note in the second period, which is not much of a surprise when taking into account the number of changes that have occurred. It is difficult for the game to flow.

It has not quite happened for Bale in this match, with the Welshman struggling to make his mark against his former club. You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this game, however, with a host of young players on to make an impression. Little over 15 minutes of action remaining.

Walker shows excellent pace to drive down the right and deliver onto the head of Kane, but the striker is penalised for a push at the far post and another bright attack comes to an end. Still 1-0 Real.

Spurs are keeping the ball well outside the Real Madrid box, but they are struggling to make in-roads at the moment as Real Madrid remain compact at the back. Benitez's work is obvious already.

Real Madrid double their lead in the 79th minute as Bale's long-range effort finds its way past Vorm. In truth, it is really poor goalkeeping from the Dutchman, who let it slip through his grasp.

Spurs have actually been pretty good for long spells of this second period, without really carrying a goal threat. Kane has been so isolated in the final third, with Real Madrid very compact at the back.

REAL SUB: Bale is replaced by Mayoral.

Spurs are really struggling to get hold of the ball at the moment as Real Madrid continue to move across the park. A number of their younger players have looked bright since entering here.

Vasquez curls one over the crossbar as Real Madrid come close once again.

SPURS SUB: Onomah replaces Kane.

Just a reminder that Real Madrid will either meet Bayern Munich or AC Milan in the final tomorrow. Spurs, meanwhile, will meet the loser of the second semi-final in the third-place playoff match.

So there we have it. Real Madrid march on to the final of the Audi Cup with a 2-0 win over Spurs. Next up is Bayern Munich versus AC Milan, and you can also follow that with us! Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action once again. Analysis and player ratings from this match will follow!