Photo by KARIM JAAFAR / AFP.
Doha: Barcelona FC legends were able to overcome their eternal rivals, represented by Real Madrid CF legends 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw at the Khalifa International Stadium in the Legends El Clasico exhibition match held yesterday.
In a nearly packed stadium, the legends from the two biggest sides in Spanish football brought back sweet memories of the Clasicos of years before.
Football fanatics of all ages and nationalities thronged the gates of the Khalifa International Stadium.
Sami, a resident and long time Madridista, expressed to The Peninsula great glee at the chance of witnessing the Real Madrid legends he grew up watching play before his eyes once more.
Barcelona's legends celebrate winning the Legends El Clasico football match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al-Rayyan on November 28, 2024. (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR / AFP)
Muhammad, an equally passionate Real Madrid supporter, said he drove all the way from Kuwait with his sons to catch the football heroes of his youth in action in Doha.
The match kicked-off at 7pm local time, and Barca looked threatening from the get-go.
Barcelona's Brazilian forward Ronaldinho celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the Legends El Clasico football match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al-Rayyan on November 28, 2024. (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR / AFP)
Barca, with an attacking line boasting names such as Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and David Villa, took the lead through Argentinian midfielder Juan Pablo Sorin.
Barca legend Ronaldinho raises the roof at Khalifa International Stadium with a sublime free-kick goal.#Qatar #LegendsElClasico #RealMadrid #Barcelona pic.twitter.com/Td25KnZF0Y
— The Peninsula Qatar (@PeninsulaQatar) November 28, 2024
Former Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldinho, in a moment of magic that turned back the hands of time for many, doubled Barca’s lead with a sublime free kick goal that cranked up the decibel levels throughout the stadium.
Congo scores a goal in Legends El Clasico as the crowds cheer! #Qatar #RealMadrid #Barcelona #LegendsElClasico pic.twitter.com/z2BsaZdYoS
— The Peninsula Qatar (@PeninsulaQatar) November 28, 2024
The two teams then resorted to playing penalty kicks after the full time whistle to decide the winner, with Barca coming out victorious with four successful penalty kicks to Real’s two.
