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AS Roma Win A Bonsai Tree After Beating Real Madrid In The Mabel Green Cup

AS Roma Win A Bonsai Tree After Beating Real Madrid In The Mabel Green Cup

Incredible scenes.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

AS Roma may need to hire an experienced gardener after beating Real Madrid in the inaugural Mabel Green Cup.

Italian forward and captain Alessandro Florenzi stepped up after the full-time whistle to receive what he thought was a trophy.

But to his surprise, the 28-year-old was handed a huge bonsai tree by Indian actress and environmentalist Esha Gupta.

This prize will certainly stand out in the club's trophy cabinet.

Image: PA
Image: PA
Image: PA
Image: PA

So why did they receive a tree?

Organised by Mabel Sports, the aim of the exhibition match is to raise awareness and promote interest in sustainability, and the protection and longevity of the planet.

As part of the event, proceeds will go towards causes that focus on this cause - the protection of the planet.

Away from the bizarre scenes at full-time, Madrid and AS Roma played out an entertaining tie at the Stadio Olimpico.

Zinedine Zidane's side opened the scoring in the 17th minute through left-back Marcelo, but Los Blancos were soon pegged back when Diego Perotti equalised minutes later.

Madrid, who have struggled in pre-season, regained the lead when midfielder Casemiro scored a rare goal to make it 2-1, just five minutes before the break.

But they struggled to keep out a clinical Roma outfit, who leveled the scores again through Eden Dzeko.

The second half struggled to live up to the opening 45 minutes and the game went to penalties, where Roma won 7-6.

Moments later, AS Roma captain Florenzi was handed a tree and well, social media reacted accordingly.




Is this the greatest prize in world football?

Let us know in the comments.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Football, AS Roma, Real Madrid