19 November 2005 will be remembered as the night Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, better known as Ronaldinho, conquered the Bernabéu. He left an indelible mark on the legendary clash of all time.
The Merengue dressing room succumbed to the tiki taka of Barca's 10. 90 minutes of inspiration that marked history and culminated in a standing ovation from the Real Madrid fans.
This is how Andrés Iniesta, former Barcelona player, told the story:
"A few days before the clásico with Real Madrid, Ronaldinho called me at home in the middle of the night. I answered the phone and he said to me: 'Andrés, I know it's 3 o'clock in the morning, but I have to tell you something, in June I'm leaving Barça. My brother is closing a deal with Real Madrid.
These are incredible figures that I can't say no to. You are young, you can understand me...but please, don't tell anyone in the dressing room or in the club, don't betray me, I trust you more than anyone else. Good night, Andrés'. I didn't have time to say anything - the man from La Mancha continues - when he had already hung up on me. The next day we were on the training pitch and I felt a strange silence around us.
The whole team was strange, they were hugging and cuddling Ronaldinho like they had never done before... The day of the clásico arrived and in the Santiago Bernabéu dressing room, Dinho took the floor and said: 'Guys, today we are playing an important game, they are strong, but in these days I have discovered that we are like a family. I called each of you in the middle of the night and told you in confidence that I am leaving in June, but none of you spoke. After this I understood that we are willing to die inside rather than betray each other. I'm staying here for many years...Now let's go out onto the pitch and let's give Madrid a football lesson. / 90min.com
The movie
Into the 58th minute at Madrid's home, Barcelona was leading the clash 1-0 with a goal by Samuel Eto'o. The visitors dominated and went on the offensive with Ronaldinho, who, in a highlight of his talent beat Sergio Ramos with a hook and left the Merengue's defence with no option and defeat Iker Casillas with a low shot. The legend scored his first touch of the night, because in the last minute of the game, in the 78th minute, in a similar action, he scored the third and received the praise of the fans who surrendered at his feet.
