Former Real Madrid captain and current Al Sadd player Raul Gonzalez celebrates after scoring against Al Sadd during the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy match on Thursday. Inset: Raul is tossed by Real Madrid players at the end of the match. (EPA)
Real Madrid legend Raul scored in front of a packed stadium as Los Blancos won 5-0 in an emphatic victory over Qatar’s Al Sadd in the annual Trofeo Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday.
The 36-year-old rather appropriately started off the party, demonstrating his touch and technique had not deserted him by bringing down the ball expertly from an Angel Di Maria pass before firing a low shot into the back of the net.
It was the sort of goal the club’s supporters had come to expect from their greatest-ever goalscorer but they still showed their appreciation and awe at his ability. Minutes later, he hit the post but the crowd erupted, shouting for their hero to be given a national call-up.
Iker Casillas gave him the armband while Cristiano Ronaldo gave the striker his No. 7 shirt in the first half as part of a fitting tribute for the all-time leading Champions League goalscorer before he switched teams at half-time to play for his current employers.
Further goals were to come for Carlo Ancelotti’s men as Isco, who scored against Betis on the opening day, once again found the net before Karim Benzema made it three.
Jese, whose future at the club looks uncertain with the imminent arrival of Tottenham’s Gareth Bale, did his best to put himself in his coach’s thoughts as he grabbed a double before the end and Madrid eventually declared on five.
The applause with which he was bid farewell after the match was well deserved. The Bernabeu will remember him forever, and his unforgettable return to the field will be in the memory of a crowd that revelled in the presence of the legendary player.