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Cristiano Ronaldo makes Real Madrid debut, but feisty Shamrock Rovers are not overawed

Tuesday, 21 July 2009

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After one of the most prolonged flirtations in soccer history Cristiano Ronaldo, the world's most expensive footballer, finally consummated the relationship with the club he had made eyes at for so long before 11,000 people in Dublin last night.

Following a week of hoopla and training, Cristiano Ronaldo — all £80m worth of him — stepped onto a football pitch in Madrid colours to face Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght Stadium shortly before 8pm.

The crowd were treated to a starting line up that included some of the jewels in Real's multi-studded crown.

The Portuguese man was joined by Raul, Guti, Metzelder and Pepe in the Spanish team's starting 11 in a match that was the subject of worldwide attention.

Kaka, presumably, caught it on Sky Sports as he recovers from the Confederations Cup.

Truth be told, however, those in Tallaght Stadium were all here to see one man only and, as ever, there weren't too many straddling the love-hate divide when it came to the midfielder.

The Rovers Ultras booed the expensively assembled squad and a few cries of “we hate Ronaldo” could be heard, as well as “what a waste of money”.

A fluffed free kick on 20 minutes was greeted with ironic cheers from a home crowd thoroughly enjoying making their posh visitors sweat through a warm summer's evening.

But it was a special night for Rovers and their supporters, and it caps off a momentous last few months which have seen them move to their new home in Tallaght — where the capacity was increased to accommodate last nights' crowd — after years spent without a stadium to call their own.

“I just think it's magic,” said Pat Hayde from Rathfarnam, a Hoops fan for the vast majority of his 61 years. “I've never seen anything like it, even when we won the cup and all that.”

Thomas O'Neill (16) and his dad Martin, along with their friend Sabrina Sheridan, said they were going to enjoy the night but were more concerned about the weekend's game against Bohemians.

“When do you see a club like Real Madrid playing in Ireland for a start? It's the best team in Ireland versus the second best team in Spain — you can't beat Barcelona.”

And anyone brave enough to predict a scoreline?

“I'll be happy if Rovers score,” Sabrina said.

Although the overwhelming majority of the crowd were decked out in their hoops, there were a few Madrilenos in the crowd.

Some screaming Spanish students milled around the fence in anticipation of the Real squad's arrival, with about one ticket to show for every 20 fans.

“I think I am unique among the Spanish here because I have a ticket,” 17-year-old Marc Ortega said, who was decked out in Madrid's away black kit despite hailing from Valencia.

Also supporting Madrid were the Crilly family from Clogherhead in Co Louth. Padraig (22) had donated one of his coveted jerseys each to his mother Ann, sister Sarah and her boyfriend Mairtin Murphy.

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I thought that the article was about Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Shamrock Rovers, but you have published offensive comments about Linfield. I support Linfield and take offence at these comments. My grandfather Woodrow played for Linfield, but he supported Glentorn. He told me that Linfield was the worst club he ever played for. He put Belfast Celtic out of the Irish Cup, but when he sustained a knee injury Linfield left him to walk home.

Posted by James | 22.07.09, 03:00 GMT

Tony - great to have you back! Was beginning to think you'd been seconded by the GAA for a secret mission.

I have to agree with you that Linfield wouldn't have had the success they've achieved without substantial IFA backing, and an Eircom League team will be more likely to reach the Champions League group stages before a team from the Irish League. I'm sure you remember Derry City doing the LOI proud a few years back in the UEFA Cup.

I just don't think the gap is as big as you think - Irish League teams have faired reasonably well in the Setanta Cup against their LOI rivals in recent years

Posted by Strucker | 21.07.09, 16:20 GMT

couldnt agree more with Tony.Linfield have been getting handouts for 50 years and more from the IFA and haven't even made a scratch on european competition.
their recent drubbing by Rangers in the CL qualifiers matched against the form shown by the Eircom league's representatives is a good indication of how good Linfield actually are Roo.

Posted by Aidy | 21.07.09, 16:18 GMT

group stages? you must be on your funny half hour Tone..

34 years bluemoon, the crues have won more than your lot!

Posted by neill | 21.07.09, 16:09 GMT

tony if they are soooo good why have they not featured in the chapmions league or europa league? i think i know why

Posted by andy | 21.07.09, 16:00 GMT

Bluemooner - I reckon it'll be 34 years we'll be singing at Old Trafford come May 2010

Dream on Citeh - massive club - don't make me laugh!!

Posted by Strucker | 21.07.09, 15:51 GMT

Linfield/IFA wouldn't count against the current Rovers team, nor against Bohs, Cork or Derry City even.

The only reason they have won a lot of trophies is because of the handouts they have received from the IFA for decades.

It can only be a matter of time before an Eircom League side makes it all the way into the Group Stages of the Champions League, something no Irish League club will never even sniff

Posted by Tony | 21.07.09, 15:37 GMT

Aidy, the great Linfield only embarass you as a supporter of another club which has no hope.

and the most Successful club in Ireland is Linfield, whereas the most successful club in the Republic or Ireland is Shamrock Rovers, you stand corrected!

Posted by Roo | 21.07.09, 15:05 GMT

"Cristiano Ronaldo — all £80m worth of him "
The value proposition is Worth=Benefit - Cost
Real madrid knows the expected cost, I doubt we will see a positive benefit from this guy.

Posted by Fair Play | 21.07.09, 14:59 GMT

good result for rovers.shows the gulf in class between the league of ireland and this shambles we have here when Linfield embarass themselves and the league year in year out

Posted by Aidy | 21.07.09, 14:04 GMT

the most famous football team on this island would have to be the rags.
the amount of new shirts i have see around is unbelieveable. its also quite apt that it has a big black arrow of decline on the front!

Posted by bluemooner | 21.07.09, 13:36 GMT

Most famous football team on this island? What team`s that Tony?

By the way, you are slipping up. You actually called football by its proper name. Well done Tony.

Posted by Cliff | 21.07.09, 13:21 GMT