Barcelona Legends beaten 2-0 by Real Madrid legends in India
On a warm Sunday evening in Mumbai, the Barça Legends fell 2-0 to Real Madrid Legends in a high-profile Clasico at DY Patil Stadium.
The game, part of a series of friendly fixtures between the two clubs' former stars, featured some of the most iconic names in football, including Xavi, Rivaldo, Carles Puyol, and Phillip Cocu for the Catalans.
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Despite the glamour, the 45,000-seater stadium saw more empty seats than expected. High ticket prices – starting at $70 – kept many fans away, although the atmosphere was still electric, reports Mundo Deportivo.
The match itself was played in two 40-minute halves, with Mumbai's humid 30-degree weather prompting a hydration break between them.
It was Real Madrid who struck first in the 15th minute, with a slick move involving Luis Figo and Michael Owen, finished off with a powerful strike by Fernando Morientes.
Barcelona responded with more attacking intent in the second half. Xavi began to dictate the tempo, and Rivaldo looked lively, while Puyol—true to form—threw himself into every challenge.
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One of the closest moments came when Gaizka Mendieta sent in a teasing ball that Javier Saviola nearly turned in, forcing a scrambling save from Kiko Casilla.
But Madrid doubled their lead in the 69th minute. David Barral dribbled past Puyol and Frank de Boer before beating veteran keeper Jesus Angoy to seal the win.
The Legends Clásico series is now tied at 2-2, with the next match scheduled for April 13th in Toluca, Mexico.
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