FCBARCELONA.CAT

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.