Argentine star Higuain scores a peach on Milan debut

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Gonzalo Higuain marked his AC Milan debut with a brilliant goal but Real Madrid proved too strong as Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale both scored to help the Spanish giants win 3-1 in the 2018 Trofeo Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.

French striker Benzema opened the scoring with a second-minute header before former Real star Gonzalo Higuain pulled Milan level just two minutes later.

The Argentine star, who completed a season-long loan from Juventus in the summer transfer window, picked up the ball from outside Real Madrid's box, then curled a stunning shot into the bottom corner, beyond goalkeeper Keylor Navas's reach.

Gonzalo Higuain (R) jokes with former teammate Luka Modric after the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy. /VCG Photo

Luka Modric also entered the fray for Madrid in the 77th minute despite persistent rumors that he could be sold amid interest from Inter Milan.

Bale restored Real's lead with a powerful drive in first-half stoppage time before Borja Mayoral tucked away the third in injury time at the end of the match.

Before the league season begins, Real will next take on Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday in Estonia.

Real Madrid players celebrate Benzema's opening goal at the Trofeo Santiago Bernabeu. /VCG Photo

Atletico Madrid warmed up for the Super Cup in Tallinn in Estonia with a 1-0 loss to Inter Milan at their Metropolitano stadium home.

In a game played as part of the pre-season International Champions Cup, the Italians won thanks to a splendid 32nd-minute volley from Argentina's Lautaro Martinez.

Atletico's Angel Correa had a goal ruled out by the VAR in the 43rd minute.

Even the second-half introduction of French World Cup winners Antoine Griezmann and Lucas Hernandez was unable to turn the tide for the Spaniards.

(With input from agencies)