All-star Real Sunk down Manchester

"All-star" Real Madrid (Spain) took on Manchester United (England) led by David Beckham, and Real Madrid emerged as a winner.

It took place yesterday in Madrid, Spain as part of the 2002-2003 UEFA Champions League.

Luis Figo shook the net fist for Real Madrid. Then, Raul Gonzalez scored two more, giving the 3-1 victory to Madrid.

Manchester will have another chance on April 24 in their home against the Madrid.

Defending its championship and aiming at its 10th title, Real Madrid has armed itself with superstar players from around the world. It pays more than 180 million euro for the salaries to Zidane (75.10 million euro), Figo (61.4 million euro) and Ronaldo (45 million euro). On the other hand, Manchester pays 45 million to Beckham. Veron, who commands the same salary, could not play due to injury.

Real Madrid put Ronaldo and Raul top on the front, being assisted in the middle by Zidane. Figo`s picturesque shoot called the shot. At the left corner of the box, Figo span with his right foot the fantastic pass from Zidane into the right part of the net at 12`.

Continuing the momentum, Zidane tossed the ball deep into the other side, which Raul shot past one defender between the posts. It was 28 minutes into the game. Just after the kickoff for the latter half, Raul kicked the ball into the net again, rushing into the arc, a ball that was passed by Figo. Upon his goal, 75,000 home fans got exhilarated again.

Fighting back, Manchester got a goal in the latter half with a heading shoot but failed in turning the tide in the game.

Another game held in Amsterdam between Ajax Amsterdam and AC Milan ended in a draw.

Jong-Koo Yang yjongk@donga.com