The Hagi Academy took control of the match at the outset but despite their dominance in possession, it was Real who took a sixth-minute lead, Salazar Piriz connecting perfectly with a beautiful pass from Guerrero to shoot low into the bottom-right corner of the net.

Back came the Romanians immediately though, Ilie taking advantage of a sloppy Spanish pass to equalise just one minute later and Ilie doubled his personal tally in the 12th minute when he headed in a right-wing cross to make the score 2-1. Thereafter, both teams created chances to score again but there was to be no further change to the situation ahead of the half-time whistle.

Perhaps predictably, Real - sometimes known as the 'King's team' - were the more threatening of the two sides as they chased an equaliser, Piriz striking the crossbar on the turn in the 48th minute and substitute De La Viborra Bonilla heading against the left post when well placed eight minutes later.

Try as they might though, the Spanish giants couldn't restore parity and thus it was the Hagi Academy who prevailed, this their second win in two games at this season's tournament. Real, meanwhile, must now reflect on three losses from their three group matches.

XII. Puskás–Suzuki Cup

Academia Hagi 2–1 Real Madrid CF (HT: 2–1)

Felcsút, Pitch 4, 8 June, 2019

Referee: Zierkelbach (Legeza, Kis Z.)

Goalscorers: HAG: Ilie (2), MAD: Salazar Piriz

Booked:  Mihai (14.), Grosu (26.), Mustaca (29.)

Hagi Akadémia: Stanciulescu – Grosu, Danuleasa (Birzu 40.), Sirbu, Bileca – Malaele (Voicu 47.), Popescu – Ilie (Pocol 55.), Mihai (Munteanu 52.), Grameni – Mustaca (Bodisteanu 40.).

Real Madrid: Antequera – Maroto (Garzon 40.), Asensio, Fernández, Calleja – Chamón (Keita 53.), Rey (De La Viborra Bonilla 45.), Buenadicha, Guerrero (Jimenez 45.)– Salazar, Iglesias (Nakai 40.).