Real Madrid defeated Barcelona in what was technically the season’s first “El Clasico.”
Ruben de la Red’s goal gave the Real Madrid Leyendas a 3-2 victory over the Barcelona Legends on Tuesday at Israel’s Bloomfield Stadium.
In Tel Aviv, the star-studded “Clasico Legends” match took place, with both teams fielding strong squads. 25,000 people went out to see some of football’s biggest names, including Rivaldo, Luis Figo, and Roberto Carlos.
After a turbulent period following his retirement, Barcelona’s Ronaldinho drew a lot of attention. The fans erupted in applause as Ronaldinho demonstrated that he still has the magic touch by scoring the game’s opening goal in the 28th minute. Following an inside-the-box tackle by Antonio Nunez on Javier Saviola, the Brazilian slotted a penalty into the net.
Real Madrid answered in the second half by scoring two goals in quick succession, one each from Pedro Munitis and Alfonso Perez. At the hour mark, Barcelona equalized through Jofre Mateu, but Los Blancos regained the lead thanks to a spectacular goal by Ruben de la Red, who danced past two Barcelona players before curling an unstoppable shot.
The game was a nail-biter, and it was a stunning display of the talent that both clubs have accumulated over the years. Even though it wasn’t exactly “El Clasico,” it was enough to whet fans’ appetites for the upcoming season.
Both clubs are now preparing for the upcoming season, with club executives focusing on the summer market. Let’s have a look at the “Clasico Legends” match sheet before we finalize our rosters for the upcoming season:
Barcelona Legends: Mariano Jesus Angoy; Miquel Soler; Frederic Dehu; Tortolero; Jon Andoni Goikoetxea; Oscar Arpon; Gaizka Mendieta; Javier Saviola; Deco; Rivaldo; Ronaldinho.
Also featured: Ronald De Boer; Jofre Mateu; Guillermo Amor; Francesco Coco; Francisco Guzman; Juan Carlos; Samuel Okunowo.
Coach: Albert Ferrer
Real Madrid Leyendas: Jordi Codina; Roberto Carlos; Alberto Rivera; Luis Milla; Antonio Nunez; Alfonso Perez; Jose Emilio Amavisca; Ivan Campo; Luis Figo; Fernando Sanz; Ruben De la Red.
Also featured: Pedro Munitis; Jesús Enrique Velasco.
Coach: Manolo Castro
Watch the highlights below:
