Madrid On Verge Of 5,000th League Goal

Real Madrid are on the verge of becoming the first team to hit 5,000 all-time Primera División goals. If they can get one strike past Numancia this evening then they will have done it.

Ruud van Nistelrooy's goal in the 2-1 defeat at the Riazor a fortnight ago was strike number 4,999 for Los Merengues. He, as well as Gonzalo Higuaín and Arjen Robben, will be out to hit the five-thousandth this evening.

Captain Raúl has been rested, so the historic strike will not be scored by him. Ergo Ramón Calderón, club president, may present the commemorative plaque to a Dutchman or an Argentine if and when the fateful goal crosses the line.

Madrid are already the top Liga goalscorers in history, having hit 4,999 in 80 years. Barcelona are second with 4,935, while Athletic Bilbao are third on 4,163.

Marca reports that whoever scores tonight (if anyone) will join the following illustrious names:

Leoncito: scorer of the first ever Liga goal for Madrid.

Pahíño: scorer of goal #1,000.

Gento: scorer of goal #2,000.

Juanito: scorer of goal #3,000.

Zamorano: scorer of goal #4,000.