Real Madrid was the glory team of my early interest in soccer winning the European Cup five times in a row between 1956 and 1960. Alfredo Di Stéfano, Ferenc Puskás, Francisco Gento and Raymond Kopa were familiar names and faces to us in rural Sligo in the fifties thanks to newspapers and sports magazines so it was a great pleasure to see the latest version in action last night in Tallaght. Full house, great atmosphere, good Shamrock Rovers support and enjoyable game.Being a Sligo Rovers supporter (they beat us three times this season) I couldn't support "Shams" but I was pleased that they didn't lose by much. We were behind the Real goal in the first half and most of the action was at the other end, so we didn't see Ronaldo in close up action. He was singled out for booing each time he got the ball which seems a bit pathetic, a provincial imitation of what has been seen on TV. This booing of Ronaldo started didn't it after his involvement in the sending of of Rooney in the English defeat by Portugal in the World Cup of 2006. On YouTube here. I bet most of those who booed him last night were delighted that England were beaten that evening.
Anyway Ronaldo played well, stayed out on the right most of the time, passed the ball well and made a few trademark dribbles. I was disappointed he was substituted at half time and he didn't play into "our" goal in the second half.
Shamrock Rovers played well, worked very hard and probably deserved a draw. Top: Ronaldo preparing to take a free. Below: Ronaldo helping his defence defend a corner.
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