The spoils were shared at the Bernabeu Stadium night
as two star-studded sides drew
4-4 in a gala match whose proceeds went to fighting world poverty.
Joining soccer top names such as Real Madrid's Zinedine Zidane and
Ronaldo, both UN sporting ambassadors, were stars from other sporting
fields such as Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher and Spanish
rally champion Carlos Sainz as the teams put on an attacking show for a
65,000 crowd.
One of the youngest stars on show was 18-year-old tennis star Rafael
Nadal, fresh from winning the Davis Cup with Spain earlier this month.
Nadal, a keen Real Madrid fan, was clearly delighted to get the chance
to play at the home of his favourite club alongside stars such as Engliand
skipper David Beckham.
Players turned out with shirts bearing the legend Match against
Poverty as they sought to do their bit for the world's deprived on behalf
of the United Nations Development Programme.
Flags from all of the UN member states were waved in a carnival atmosphere which was in contrast to
Real Madrid's last home match, against Spanish league side Real Sociedad.
That game was interrupted last Sunday following a bomb threat which forced
the crowd and players to be evacuated.
"It fills Ronaldo and myself with pride, after what happened the other
day, to see take place this festival of solidarity," said Zidane, the
French superstar and 1998 world champion, "I'd like to thank all those who
came along and contributed. It's been a great evening and we're all
delighted."
For once, Ronaldo and Zidane were on opposite sides as they each
took charge of a team, with Schumacher appearing for both squads.
Among the "friends of Zidane" line-up was former England star Paul
Gascoigne, while Italian veteran referee Pierluigi Collina officiated.
Zidane's men took the lead through Diego Tristan of Deportivo La Coruna
on four minutes and Real Madrid's Raul swiftly added a second before
Real's Figo pulled one back.
Tristan made it 3-1 only for Sainz to close the deficit before Yakin
moved the Zidane XI out to 4-2. Late efforts from Juan Pablo Sorin and
Ricardo Costa ensured honours finished even.
Former Real stars such as Emilio Butragueno, Fernando Redondo and Davor Suker
received big cheers as they also featured.
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-12-15 10:20
