Lisbon's Benfica draw 2-2 with Real Madrid
Portugal's Benfica marked the end of their centennial birthday celebrations by drawing 2-2 with Real Madrid in a pre-season friendly on Sunday.
Portugal's Benfica marked the end of their centennial birthday celebrations by drawing 2-2 with Real Madrid in a pre-season friendly on Sunday.
Real coach, Jose Antonio Camacho, who guided Benfica to victory in the Portuguese Cup final last season, fielded a strong side in the opening half, including newly-signed Argentine international defender Walter Samuel.
Benfica, managed by former Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni, went ahead in the first minute with a goal by Slovenian midfielder Zlatko Zahaovic.
Real's Ronaldo equalised in the third minute, tapping in a rebound after the Benfica defence failed to clear a corner by David Beckham. The ball ran on to Zinedine Zidane, whose header was parried by goalkeeper Yannick before Ronaldo scored.
Striker Fernando Morientes, who has returned to Real after a season on loan to AS Monaco, put the Spanish side 2-1 up in the 77th minute after a goalmouth scramble.
However, Brazilian midfielder Geovanni secured the draw for Benfica when he headed home from a corner in injury time.
Although Benfica have won more league titles than any Portuguese club, they are without a championship success since 1994. Last season, they finished runners-up to Champions League winners Porto.