Real to mark 50 years since Di Stefano debut with River Plate date

Real Madrid are to mark half a century since their favourite son Alfredo Di Stefano made his debut with a gala match against Argentina's River Plate on September 23.

The clubs will compete for the "Bernabeu Trophy" in the match at Real's legendary Santiago Bernabeu stadium, marking to the day 50 years since Di Stefano's debut in a friendly against French side Nancy.

The Argentine legend, now 77, earned his place in the hearts of Real's fans by helping the 'meringues' to five successive European Cup victories between 1956 and 1960 - once the club had signed him from under the noses of hated rivals Barcelona.

The "Bernabeu Trophy" is normally played pre-season but Real leave on an 18-day Asian tour from Thursday and play Real Mallorca in the Spanish Super Cup in the final week of August.

Di Stefano, nicknamed the Blond Arrow, made a quick impression when he made his bow against Nancy.

First he was visibly overweight - but still scored Real's second goal in a 4-2 defeat.

Former Argentina goalkeeper Hugo Gatti insisted Wednesday there would never be another Di Stefano, no matter how many 'galacticos' or superstars Real bring to Madrid.

"He was simply the best player in their history."

"Others will certainly arrive, but no one - Zidane, Figo, Ronaldo, Raul or Beckham, will be bigger than Don Alfredo," former Boca Juniors and River Plate keeper Gatti told sports daily AS.