Real Madrid Beats FC Barcelona As Veterans Clash in Legendary El Clasico Match-Up
Former Nigeria international Gbenga Okunowo featured alongside football greats like Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Luis Figo and Roberto Carlos, as Real Madrid legends defeated Barcelona legends 3-2 in Tel Aviv, Israel on Tuesday.
Okunowo, 42, who signed for Barcelona age 18 and helped them win the 1998/1999 Laliga title, came on in the 71st minute, in the game that also featured Javier Saviola, Ronald De Boar, Gaizka Mendieta, Deco, Ivan Campo, Pedro Munitis amongst others.
Madrid beat the Blaugrana 3-2, with goals from Pedro Munitis, Alfonso Perez and Ruben de la Red cancelling out strikes from the iconic attacking midfielder and Jofre Mateu.
Ronaldinho broke the deadlock after slamming home a sweetly-struck penalty past Jordi Codina, who made just one appearance during his days at the Santiago Bernabeu.
After heading into half-time trailing, Madrid responded immediately after the restart as Jose Amavisca’s long-range effort was saved but finished on the rebound by Pedro Munitis.
The goalscorer then turned provider to set up Alfonso Perez to make it 2-1 in favour of Madrid.
With 20 minutes left in the game Jofre Mateu controlled a long pass from Rivaldo, weaved his way in and slotted home to make 2-2.
But few minutes later Ruben de la Red showed great skill to find space for a shot and notch in the winner.
The Israel-hosted match is one of many set to be played involving Barcelona legends around the globe.
A statement said the exhibition matches are “designed to help promote the Barca name and values around the world through its former players, and to enable them to continue playing for the team even after retiring as professionals.
“The aim is to play games and run parallel events in different places around the world.”
