Pre-season football, I'm lovin' it.
And so were the near 70,000 fans at the Levi's Stadium as Ronald McDonald led out the sides ahead of Manchester United's friendly against Real Madrid on Sunday.
"The game's gone," remarked several on social media as the iconic clown, accompanied by match officials, strutted onto the field holding the match ball before greeting each player during the customary handshake.
McDonald then waved to supporters before watching Manchester United win on penalties after a 1-1 draw with the European champions in normal time.
And if the game has gone, the California locals clearly know little of it; the crowd were in full voice as they roared on the two sides in what was ultimately a dress rehearsal ahead of August's Super Cup meeting.
Jesse Lingard opened the scoring for United, but the goal came about after impressive work by Anthony Martial.
Incredible footwork allowed him to wriggle between Luka Modric and Dani Carvajal before smartly directing the ball into the path of Lingard to sweep home.
Madrid were only threatening sporadically but drew level in the 69th minute as summer signing Victor Lindelof rashly brought down Theo Hernandez. Casemiro stepped up and rifled past David De Gea.
