Madrid: Rafael Benitez got off to a winning start on his home debut as Real Madrid boss as Marcelo's brilliant individual effort handed the Spanish giants a 2-1 win over Galatasaray. Nacho's first-half opener for the hosts had been cancelled out by former Madrid midfielder Wesley Sneijder early in the second period.


Rafael Benitez. Pic/AFP 

However, Madrid weren't to be denied victory in the friendly held to celebrate the Santiago Bernabeu trophy thanks to Marcelo's strike eight minutes from time. "The first day is always very exciting, but I was concentrating more on the game as is the job of a coach," said Benitez. "I saw plenty of positives and if we play like that I will be happy, but we still have plenty of margin to improve which is positive."