Real Madrid and Barcelona faced off in a tributary El Clasico held between legends of both clubs. Los Blancos managed to get the better of their rivals, fielding a stronger lineup and winning the game 3-2. Iker Casillas was the guest of honour as the two teams played at Tel Aviv’s Bloomfield Stadium.
Real Madrid starting XI: Codina, Núñez, Iván Campo, Fernando Sanz, Roberto Carlos, Milla, Rivera, Figo, Amavisca, De la Red y Alfonso.
Barcelona starting XI: Angoy; Juan Carlos, Dehu, Goikoetxea; Deco, Mendieta, Arpon; Rivaldo, Saviola, Ronaldinho.
Roberto Carlos captained Madrid, while Ronaldinho started for Barcelona, putting on the number 10 Blaugrana shirt once more, at the age of 41. He was the first to be on the scoresheet, converting a penalty at the 27 minute mark to put his team in the lead. His original shot hit the woodwork at the 20 minute mark, but he managed to find the back of the net from the spot shortly after.
Shortly before halftime, Munitis and Alfonso scored two minutes apart to give Madrid the advantage heading into the break. The second half of the fixture was evenly played, and Barcelona managed to get themselves an equaliser in the 60th minute thanks to Jofre Mateu. By that time, the tempo had dropped massively and things looked like they were about to finish level. However, a great goal from De La Red 10 minutes after Barcelona’s equaliser gave Los Merengues the victory.Â
