Team Murcia vs Real Madrid: Goals for hope

TEAM MURCIA 2 - REAL MADRID 2

Team Murcia (coached by Jose Antonio Camacho) and Real Madrid did their best to entertain the crowd. Mourinho used regular starters such as Casillas, Ramos, Arbeloa and Ozil, as well as Castilla players like Pablo Gil and Mandi in his initial lineup. Murcia native Pedro Leon and Sergio Canales also played and were the most active Madridistas in the first half. Granero had the most chances on goal, but both his shots were saved by Andres. Toche had Team Murcia's clearest chance on the 25-minute mark, but sent the ball over the crossbar.

Team Murcia vs Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Kaka, Xabi Alonso, Pepe and youth teamer Carvajal came on after half-time and helped make the Whites' game more vertical. The first goal in the match came from a combination of passes between Benzema and Xabi Alonso, after which the French striker sent the ball into the back of the net from inside the box (48'). Team Murcia also worked hard for a strike and, five minutes later, managed to draw the score with an own goal from Pepe, who unfortunately defeated Dudek as he was trying to head out a cross by Aquino. Team Murcia scored again through Meca, who headed in a free-kick in the 65th minute. Real Madrid responded swiftly: Pedro Leon served an excellent pass towards the box for Kaka, who then assisted Cristiano Ronaldo in the equaliser.

The final minutes of the game saw former Madridista, and current Real Madrid Team Delegate, Chendo wear the Real Madrid number '2' shirt and the captain's armband once more. Chendo appeared in some plays for Real Madrid and committed a foul. Murcia stadium chanted his name when people saw him leave the bench. He played his last official match on June 30, 1998 after having played sixteen seasons and get eighteen titles.

Chendo played the last ten minutes of the match

Xabi Alonso offered his thoughts on charity match shortly after it concluded: "This kind of gesture during hard times can cheer people up and bring them hope. We lend our support by playing football, which is the best way we know how. With this little bit of help and the vitality and enthusiasm of this city, they will overcome this. This was a nice, entertaining match and we all had fun playing".

Granero also talked about the game: "The Madrid tries to help whenever it can, but today we have to thank because there have been many people in Lorca and we thank all who have come and fill this stadium because their help will be very important".

Summary

Stadium: Nueva Condomina
Attendance: 31,000
Goals: 0-1. Min. 48: Benzema. 1-1. Min. 53: Pepe (o.g.). 2-1. Min. 65: Meca. 2-2. Min. 68: Cristiano.