Clash of the Veterans

Real Madrid (6' Morientes, 11' Figo, 69' Redondo) 3 – 2 (9' Sharpe, 79' Sheringham)

What a special treat it was for Madridistas and football fans everywhere.  The Santiago Bernabéu hosted the third edition of the Corazón Classic match, which featured veterans from England's Manchester United.  It was a highly anticipated game, showcasing ace football and legends such as Luis Figo, Zinadine Zidane, Teddy Sheringham, and Andy Cole... just to name a few.

Fernando Morientes netted the opener from a lobbed shot on the 6' minute mark, putting Real Madrid's veterans at the lead, but Lee Sharp's header following a Cole turn and assist leveled the playing field.

Both sides had multiple chances to score and it would be Madrid that pulled ahead, with a phenomenal shot by Figo right outside the box at the 11' after receiving the ball from Zidane.  Neither side managed to score in the remainder of the first half, but spectators definitely got their money's worth of spectacular football.

United wanted to turn the score around after descanso and Madrid sought to widen the gap.  Former Madrid man, Carlos Alonso, better known as Santillana, hit the crossbar at the 51' following a Roberto Carlos run down the left wing.  Minutes later at the 55', United's Edwin Van der Sar made a remarkable save when Figo attempted to tally another for the Spanish side.

The Reds were awarded a penalty at the 67' after Cole was challenged in the box, but Pedro Contreras, aka El Koke, saved Sheringham's shot.  Madrid's Fernando Redondo would strike two minutes later at the 69', dribbling past two defenders with the greatest of ease.  Sheringham redeemed himself of the missed penalty with a beautiful goal that made the match that much more intense and exciting until final whistle.

It certainly was a treat to see the vets back on the pitch in their element, proving that, while they certainly are getting older, they've still got game... and are called legends for a reason.

RM's Starting XI: Buyo, Chendo, Roberto Carlos, Hierro, Sanchis, Zidane, Redondo, Butragueño, Morientes, Martin Vazquez, and Figo.

Subs: Sabido, Illgner, Santillana, Helguera, Amavista, Alfonso, Fernando Sanz, Karanka, Contreras, Ivan Perez, Rojas, Velasco, Ramis, Garcia Cortes, and Julio Llorente.

ManU's Starting XI: Van der Sar, Lee Martin, Irwin, Fortune, Johnsen, Dublin, Cole, Sheringham, Lee Sharpe, Blomqvist, and Yorke.

Subs: Van der Gouw and Blackmore.

written by Gail Hidalgo