CR7 strikes out in number 9 role

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Whatever the reason – perhaps with one eye on accommodating Gareth Bale – Carlo Ancelotti used the Lyon match to try out several different combinations. One such experiment saw Cristiano line up in the number 9 position, as an out-and-out striker. The test proved more or less a total washout: the Portuguese ace was subbed off with the scoreline at 2-0 having made virtually no impact going forward, something that cannot often be said of CR7.

Pre-season is all about finding the right formula, and Carletto used the Gerland as a testing ground, tinkering with several pieces of his puzzle. Di María was surprisingly deployed infield, ahead of Illarramendi (who was replaced by Casemiro) and almost in line with Isco. The Argentine's usual spot on the right went to Özil, while Cristiano was absent from the left and Benzema was given free licence to roam. The idea was to capitalise on the element of surprise, but the trick backfired.

Though Cristiano was given the number 9 when he joined Real (Raúl was still at the Bernabéu), he is not used to leading the line. Ultimately, playing up top made him easier to track for the Lyon defenders, who were able to mark the Portuguese star out of the game as 'Los Blancos' found themselves crowded out through the middle. The expression on his face when he was substituted – just after Lisandro doubled Lyon's lead – tells its own story. Cristiano is more effective when unshackled and with more wiggle room, although he could be forced into a more central role if Bale is whizzing down the right. No one can say Ancelotti isn't preparing for such an eventuality.