Real Madrid legends beat Barcelona legends on penalties in Mexico - with Marcelo scoring directly on his debut.
The stage was set for an exhilarating display of football as Real Madrid triumphed over FC Barcelona in a thrilling legends match held in Mexico. The encounter, which unfolded in front of passionate fans at the Estadio Nemesio Diez, witnessed a dramatic finish after a tightly contested 2-2 draw in regular time, leading to a nail-biting penalty shootout that ended 8-7 in favor of the Merengues.
Star players from both clubs, including Luis Figo and Marcelo for Madrid, shone brightly on the night, while Barcelona's icons Carles Puyol and Javier Saviola also made their mark. This victory marked Real Madrid's fourth win in this series of exhibition matches, narrowing the historical head-to-head record in their favor.
Match Event
From the kick-off, the vibrant atmosphere was palpable, and it was Barcelona who made the first significant impact. The ever-active Javier Saviola drew a penalty within the first ten minutes, but Brazilian legend Rivaldo's attempt from the spot was disappointingly sent wide, as Iker Casillas watched it sail past his goal.
Seizing the momentum, Real Madrid struck first in the 18th minute when Luis Figo expertly maneuvered past Rafael Marquez and Frank de Boer before finding the back of the net, gifting his side a 1-0 lead. Just three minutes later, Marcelo doubled the advantage after a clever through ball, outpacing two defenders before placing his shot over goalkeeper Jesus Angoy, making it 2-0.
However, this lead would not last long. Barcelona rallied to equalize through a pair of headers from Puyol, with the first coming from a Rivaldo corner kick in the 31st minute to pull one back. In the 35th minute, Saviola artfully controlled the ball following another Rivaldo corner, slotting home to level the score at 2-2.
Penalty Drama and Fan Reactions
The second half, however, saw a dip in quality, largely attributed to numerous substitutions and the impact of playing at high altitude, which began to take its toll on the players. A notable moment came in the 48th minute when Madrid's Ruben de la Red struck the crossbar, almost regaining the lead.
The latter stages of the match heightened the tension, particularly as Figo found himself at the center of attention after a cheeky exchange with the fans, eliciting boos and some playful banter that left spectators in stitches.
Ultimately, the match was decided in a gripping penalty shootout. The stakes were high, and the tension palpable as all ten field players stepped up. The defining moment came when Juan Carlos Rodriguez missed the decisive penalty for Barcelona, allowing Raúl Bravo to seal the win with a successful spot-kick for Real Madrid, who celebrated their hard-earned victory in style.
This legends showdown not only highlighted the enduring rivalry and magic of these football giants but also thrilled fans with a nostalgic display of talent and competitive spirit. The star-studded lineup from both sides brought back cherished memories, proving that while the years may pass, the love for the game never fades.
Barcelona legends XI: J. Angoy, Puyol (C), R. Marquez, F. d. Boer, F. Coco, L. Giuly, Iniesta, Rivaldo, Roger, Saviola, Cocu
subs: Francesc Xavier Doz Guzmán, Fernando Navarro, Juan Carlos Moreno, Juan Pablo Sorin, Marc Crosas, Ricardo Quaresma, J. Soriano
Real Madrid legends XI: Casillias, Marcelo, Agus, F. Sanz, A. Nunez, Ruben de la Red, Guti, L. Milla (C), Figo, Savio, Murillo
subs: Pedro Contreras, Juanjo Olalla, Raul Bravo, Emilio Amavisca, David Barral, Javier Balboa
17Nk
62
did Figo played for both sides in the match? like 45-45 minutes?! lol 😉
Emperor10
37
Copa dey Ray Final
zihadiklsz
7
No Ronaldinho no legend match
The_Real_Baggio
7
Marcelo is under age for this game