Almost 24 hours after the end of the League match against Barcelona at Camp Nou Stadium, Fernando Torres wore the red and white shirt facing Real Madrid at the second edition of the Jesús Gil y Gil Memorial. Number ‘9’ played 25 minutes at the practice match that finished with a red and white victory at the penalty shoot-out (0-0)- before starting his Christmas holidays.

Vicente Calderon Stadium relieve the match in memory of the once red and white Club’s President, that in this occasion was played under the theme “A touch against race discrimination” and, as the first edition, was useful to collect funds sent to several charitable causes. Also one minute of silence was kept to pay tribute to the Recreativo of Huelva fans that died in a traffic accident last Wednesday.

Fernando Torres formed in Aguirre’s starting team, like other usually ones at the line up of the Mexican coach such as Antonio Lopez, Pablo, Jurado, Mista or Galletti, while Fabio Capello counted with Raul, Michel Salgado, Cannavaro, Guti and Reyes. Next to the stars, in starting the line up and during the match both coaches gave alternative to several players from the youngsters that enjoyed minutes in this Madrilenian party of football and solidarity.

The anecdote of the match went on charge of Fernando Torres, missing the penalty made to Galletti at minute 8’. The forward hit the penalty with a centered and half high shot that the Madrilenian goalkeeper, Diego Lopez, rejected. The whole 90 minutes run out without goals and, finally, the trophy went to Atletico’s glass cabinet after beating Real Madrid at the penalty shoot-out.


Photo: Jose Anotnio Garcia Sirvent