The legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium was once again the stage for an exciting event: the Corazón Classic Match. The charity match, which kicked off at 12pm, raises funds for the Real Madrid Foundation’s social and sporting projects. The initiative provided a rare chance for families to watch a game at the Bernabéu without the high costs, attracting an enthusiastic audience that filled the stands, bringing together grandparents, parents and grandchildren in celebration of the team.
The re-elected president of Real Madrid, Florentino Pérez, was also present on the pitch during the warm-up. He was warmly applauded by the fans in attendance as he greeted the legends alongside Pirri, the club’s honorary president. On the other hand, there was a lack of several historical names such as Kroos, Marcelo, Baptista, Raúl, Roberto Carlos, Ronaldo and Figo, who usually participate in the event. The absence of Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Figo drew attention, as they defended both Real Madrid and Inter Milan, both teams on the field.
Real Madrid officials on the field with the club’s idols
Instead of absences, the public’s affection was directed towards Michel Salgado, Fernando Sanz, Iván Campo, Granero, Makélélé, Amavisca, Karembeu and Pedro León. The latter even recently wore the colors of Real Murcia, playing at the Enrique Roca Stadium.
The main attraction for Real Madrid fans was Pepe, whose fierce spirit on the pitch is still remembered with great fondness. The defender, number 3, demonstrated that his competitive and defensively solid style of play remains intact, maintaining the admiration of Madrid fans. Interestingly, Pepe played in midfield, recalling the three-midfielder strategy employed by José Mourinho in 2011 to contain Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona.
On the Inter Milan side, the atmosphere also displayed a dose of “Mourinho-ism”, with the presence of shirts and scarves honoring the “Special One” already visible at the Bernabéu. Players like Maicon, Lúcio, Cambiasso, Zanetti and Toldo, who were European champions in 2010 at the same stadium under the tutelage of the Portuguese coach, formed the starting team.
Real Madrid legends on the pitch at the Corazón Classic Match
Hernanes opened the scoring for Inter in the first half, despite having a penalty saved by Contreras minutes earlier. However, in charity games like this, the result is secondary. The joy and enthusiasm of Real Madrid fans remained unabated, with the stands vibrating with each play by the legends and initiating several waves of celebration.
Real Madrid’s eagerly awaited equalizer came 20 minutes from the final whistle. The author could be none other than Képler Laverán Lima Ferreira, known as Pepe. In one of his typical offensive attacks, he disarmed the opponent, passed it to Toni Moral on the wing, who crossed from the left to the far post, where Pepe himself finished, equalizing the score at 1-1 and making the Bernabéu celebrate a goal of his own after nine years.
Barral sealed the turnaround and the party at the stadium. The former striker accurately headed another Toni Moral cross from the left, sending the ball into the back of the net. The number 7, in his celebration, even imitated the famous “Siuuu!” by Cristiano Ronaldo, ending the morning of emotion and affection at the Santiago Bernabéu.
