06.05.2008 10:51
Not the first time at Bernabéu
Sandra Sarmiento
All five of this season’s new signings have actually played at the Santiago Bernabéu before, but with other clubs.
The only one who will not be able to repeat the experience is ex-Zaragoza man, Gaby Milito, who has
a knee injury. Henry, Touré, Abidal and Pinto have all been to Real Madrid when wearing the colours
of Arsenal, Olympique Lyon, Olympiakos and Celta, respectively.
Henry scores a cracker
On February 21, 2006, Rijkaard’s side was off to Stamford Bridge in the Champions
League second round. Meanwhile, at the Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid and Arsenal had their own tie to
deal with, and a Thierry Henry goal meant the Gunners won 1-0. Early in the second half and from
the centre of the park, the French striker set off on a dazzling run that would prove the undoing
of the Madrid side.
Touré suffers late defeat
The Ivorian played his 90 minutes at the Bernabéu in the group stage of the
same edition of the tournament. He was playing for Olympiakos after two seasons with Metalurg
Donetsk. Alongside former Barça players in Rivaldo, Dani Garcia Lara and Haruna Babangida, his side
went a goal down to a Raúl goal after 9 minutes. Kafes equalised for the Greek club, but Roberto
Soldado grabbed a winner for the home side with just four minutes to go.
Abidal without pressure
Éric Abidal went with Olympique Lyon to the Santiago Bernabéu on November
21, 2006, but his side was already through to the next round after beating Dynamo Kiev in their
previous match. The French outfit collected a point in Madrid, twice surrendering the lead in a 2-2
draw. Abidal played the full 90 minutes.
Milito on familiar turf
A knee injury means Milito will not be making his fourth appearance at the Bernabéu, where he
lost twice and drawn once with Zaragoza. On all three visits, Gaby Milito got to play for 90
minutes.