Real Madrid legends defeated Barcelona legends on penalties in Mexico – where Marcelo scored directly on his debut.
The stage was set for an exciting representation of football when Real Madrid triumphed about FC Barcelona in an exciting legends match in Mexico. The meeting, who unfolded for passionate fans in the Estadio Nemesio Diez, witnessed a dramatic finish after a tightly disputed 2-2 draw in the regular era, which led to a nail-biting penalty party that ended in favor of the Merengues.
Star players from both clubs, including Luis Figo and Marcelo for Madrid, shine fiercely at night, while Barcelona's icons Carles Puyol and Javier Saviola also left their mark. This victory marked Real Madrid's fourth victory in this series of exhibition competitions, which reduced the historical record of head-to-head in their favor.
Match event
The lively atmosphere of the kick -off was felt and it was Barcelona who had the first important impact. The always active Javier Saviola attracted a penalty within the first ten minutes, but the attempt by the Brazilian legend Rivaldo was sent disappointingly broadly, while Iker Casillas saw the past his goal.
Real Madrid grabbed the momentum and was the first in the 18th minute when Luis Figo professionally passed Rafael Marquez and Frank de Boer before he found the back of the net and donated his side a 1-0 lead. Only three minutes later, Marcelo doubled the advantage after a smart through the ball, two defenders surpassed before he placed his shot about goalkeeper Jesus Angoy, making it 2-0.
However, this lead would not last long. Barcelona Rally to be the same through a few headers from Puyol, with the first from a rival corner kick in the 31st minute to withdraw one. In the 35th minute, Saviola artificially checked the ball after another rival corner, so they went home to level the score at 2-2.
Criminal drama and fan reactions
The second half, however, saw a dip in quality, largely attributed to countless substitutions and the impact of playing at great heights, which began to take his toll on the players. A remarkable moment came in the 48th minute when Madrid's Ruben de la Red hit the bar and almost returned the lead.
The last phases of the match increased the tension, especially when Figo was at the center of attention after a brutal exchange with the fans, who woke up angry and a playful chatter that spectators left in stitches.
Eventually the game was decided in a moving penalty shootout. The bet was high and the tension was felt when all ten field players stepped. The determining moment came when Juan Carlos Rodriguez missed the decisive fine for Barcelona, allowing Raúl Bravo to seal the victory with a successful spot kick for Real Madrid, who fourth their hard-earned victory in style.
These legends Showdown not only emphasized the lasting rivalry and magic of these football giants, but also enthusiastically fans with a nostalgic representation of talent and competitive spirit. The line-up of both parties littered with stars brought back memories cherished, which shows that although the years can pass, the love for the game never fades.
Barcelona Legends XI: J. Angoy, Puyol (C), R. Marquez, FD 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
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