00:00And have only just about got themselves back on the straight and narrow
00:04but tonight they face a club who've been
00:08throwing the money around
00:11in the summer
00:14That's 80 million pound fee spent on Cristiano Ronaldo
00:19Raised quite a few eyebrows, but followed plenty of money other multi-million pound signings
00:25In this lineup Kareem Benzema a mere 30 million in comparison
00:31But he's not actually in the starting lineup for this Madrid team tonight
00:35But this man is
00:37He has been the star attraction in Dublin over the last few days. And if he is
00:42Man-marked tonight. It will be nothing like the man marking on him by the security men in Ireland over the last few days
00:49It's still very much a work in progress
00:52The stand from which they emerge is the one permanent stand here
00:59But it has only been Shamrock Rovers home
01:03since the start of this season
01:05And bear in mind that while Real Madrid are preparing for the start of their new campaign
01:10Shamrock Rovers are already well
01:17Real Madrid anthem being played to welcome the sides
01:22as they are introduced to each other
01:28If you are at all familiar with Shamrock Rovers, you'll know that they're known as the hoops
01:33So here he is wearing number nine
01:35Cristiano Ronaldo the European footballer of the year the world footballer of the year and what a night for the man who's facing him
01:45Christoph Metzelder with a clearance
01:48Clearance by Sevez didn't carry too far. And here's Ronaldo first springy into action
01:55I think it's important to get through the first ten minutes, though
01:59I think I wanted to lose an early one. They're bound to be nervous here tonight
02:02There's going to be some apprehension and it's important they settle into the game
02:06Here is number seven Raul
02:10Cristiano Ronaldo
02:15On Birmingham
02:17As they do deck in goal for Real Madrid tonight Ike Casillas among the Spanish internationals who's been given extra time off following the
02:25Confederations Cup Sergio Ramos another
02:30Island's most decorated club. Here's Ronaldo. I
02:35Never really got it. Did it go to his feet very quickly. It was never quite right, but
02:40We know he's more than capable from from this type of distance
02:44I was told before the game Rob that Real Madrid insisted on bringing their own ball. This is the ball that they use in the Spanish League
02:52Cristiano Ronaldo's debut match for Real Madrid was a highly anticipated event that took place on July 20th
02:592009 the friendly match was against Shamrock Rovers an Irish football club and was held at Talat Stadium in Dublin, Ireland
03:07This game marked the beginning of a new chapter in Ronaldo's career after his record-breaking transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid
03:14Which cost approximately 94 million euros making it the most expensive transfer in football history at the time
03:21Ronaldo started the match and played for the first 45 minutes before being substituted at halftime
03:27Although he did not score his presence on the field was electric
03:30Fans were eager to see the Portuguese superstar in action for his new club
03:35And he did not disappoint with his display of skill and flair
03:38The match itself ended in a 1-0
03:41Victory for Real Madrid with the only goal being scored by another new signing Karim Benzema in the 87th minute
03:49Benzema's goal came as a relief to the team and fans
03:52Securing a win in the dying minutes of the game the significance of this match extended beyond just the result
03:58It symbolized the beginning of Ronaldo's journey with Real Madrid a journey that would see him become one of the greatest players in the club's history
04:05His transfer to Real Madrid was seen as a statement of intent by the club
04:10Aiming to reclaim their dominance in both domestic and European competitions
04:14The media coverage was extensive with analysts and fans keen to see how Ronaldo would adapt to his new team and environment
04:22Despite the lack of goals from Ronaldo in this particular match his performance hinted at the greatness that was to come
04:28The reception to Ronaldo's debut was overwhelmingly positive
04:32His teammates and coach were impressed by his professionalism and immediate impact on the field
04:37Fans were excited about the potential of the new look Real Madrid team, which also included other high-profile signings
04:45Ronaldo's first match was just a small taste of what he would bring to the club in the following seasons
04:50Ronaldo would go on to break numerous records and win multiple titles with Real Madrid
04:55He became the club's all-time leading scorer
04:58Surpassing legends like Raul and Alfredo Di Stefano
05:01His contributions helped Real Madrid win for UEFA Champions League titles to La Liga titles and numerous other domestic and international
05:09trophies
05:10Ronaldo's debut match against Shamrock Rovers may not have been filled with goals and highlights
05:15But it was a crucial starting point for his legendary career at Real Madrid
05:19It set the stage for an era of success and dominance for both Ronaldo and the club
05:25His nine-year tenure at Real Madrid cemented his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time
05:30With a legacy that will be remembered for generations
05:33The anticipation excitement and eventual success that followed his debut match are a testament to Ronaldo's exceptional talent and dedication to the sport
05:55Finding Ronaldo
06:04And intervenes, here's Ronaldo again
06:16Plenty of time to assess it
06:20Familiar pose
06:23Ronaldo
06:25Familiar end product though, the wall
06:27Blocking the attempt
06:29And suddenly they can break. Gal Andresle stopped from breaking by Diarra. Now Marcello
06:36Ronaldo having switched sides
06:38Free kick against Reiss, who's frustration. The language of Ronaldo here. Yeah, it's a free kick
06:55Reiss
06:58Torres to find Ronaldo
07:01Left behind by Gago for Guti, first time looking for Ronaldo
07:09So there's the player we got there. I think they got a shot, a shot from his golf teeth
07:17Cristiano Ronaldo
07:20Now Raul
07:23Defending, here's Guti, Ronaldo
07:34Crowd here enjoying a bit of flamboyance from Ronaldo that
07:38Here's Ronaldo
07:50Diarra
07:54Here's Ronaldo
07:58Holding him as the player, he's holding off. Torres, good block on the cross to contain the 80 million pound man
08:06Cristiano Ronaldo going off at halftime. Will he reappear?
08:12Shamrock Rovers have managed to keep him at bay and that's been down to some resolute defending led in part by Darren Maguire
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