Raul’s Five Finest Moments for Real Madrid

Raul is surely one of the greatest ever players to represent Real Madrid but even the legend was short of certain laurels. He won six La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues with the Galacticos. He was even part of the most iconic side Madrid has ever had. He was unable to lift the Ballon d’Or, coming closest in 2001 when he finished second behind Michael Owen. He scored 323 goals in 741 appearances – an astonishing achievement. Raul’s last touch with the ball as a Real Madrid player, before an injury ruled him out of action for the rest of that season, was to score his last goal, an opening goal scored on 24 April 2010 in a 2–1 away victory against Real Zaragoza. Raul signed off at the venue where he made his debut for Real Madrid.

#5 FIRST GOAL – THE DERBY GOAL

Raul was a part of Athletico’s youth system, but he joined Real after it was shut down. Just like in the movies, Raul got his first ever goal in the Madrid derby. Against a team where he learnt everything. Raul had an enviable record against his neighbors.

As the goals started pouring in for the striker, Raul became synonymous with his hallmark “kiss of the wedding ring” during his goal celebrations.

#4 SURPASSING DE STEFANO’S RECORD!

In February 2009, Raul was having one of the seasons of his career, and absolutely shattered Don Alfredo’s historic tally.

He netted twice in the 4-0 win over Sporting Gijon, taking his haul to 309 by the end of that game, he the went on to add 14 more goals to set the new club record at 323.

#3 STUNNER AGAINST VALENCIA – 2000 UCL FINAL

Raul was undoubtedly the best striker at the turn of the millennium, a brace to knock United out in the quarters of UCL 2000. Raul saved his best for the Champions League final in Stade de France in Paris, scoring one of the most iconic goals in the competition’s history. Raul picked up a clearance and sprinted the length of the Valencia, dodged Santiago Canizarez and slotted the ball past a back tracking defender, from a tight angle with his right foot.

He finished joint top scorer in the Champions League 99/00 that season with 10 goals and was crowned the best striker that season in UCL.

#2 SILENCING CAMP NOU

Raul bagged 15 goals against Barcelona.

Raul had a habit of lifting his index finger to his pursed lips as a deliberate celebration against Barcelona  at Camp Nou, just to silence the home crowd. It has become an iconic image, that paved the way for many players today to be just that tiny bit more daring while celebrating in front of a rival set of fans. In 1999, Raul scored an equalizer in the 86th minute as he sped onto a loose ball between two Barcelona defenders, before intentionally lofting the ball over the charging Barca goalkeeper Ruud Hesp. It is now one of the most iconic moments in Madrid’s history.

#1 FIRST HAT TRICK – AT 18 YEARS OF AGE! 

Raul holds the record for being the youngest player to score a hat trick in the UEFA Champions League. It was his first hat trick and was a very special moment for the forward. He opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a cool header, before doubling Real Madrid’s and his tally just a minute later with a sublime finish. In the 33rd minute, Raul could have made history early with one of the fastest hattricks in the Champions League ever, but saw his sublime chip rebound off the crossbar.

In the end stages, the teenage magician grabbed his third by finishing off an excellent team move, capping off Madrid’s 6-1 victory over Ferencvaros, Hungary. It was a remarkable display from both Raul and Madrid. This match cemented his role in Real’s squad for several years.