![]() |
|
![]() | |
|
| |
| 2000-2001 Season | |
|
Lorenzo Sanz tried to take
advantage of the fans' euphoria after The first of these trophies, the European Supercup, does not seem to suit Real Madrid, who lost to Chelsea two years ago. This time it was the current UEFA cup champions, Galatasaray, showing better match fitness and greater hunger to score, who beat Real with a Jardel golden goal in extra time. It was a shame that the trophy could not end up in Real's crowded cabinet, the only European title (apart from the now defunct Cup Winners' Cup) it still has not won. There was no better luck in the Intercontinental Cup, where Boca Juniors beat Real by two goals to one. Real could not overcome the two goals scored by Mart�n Palermo in the opening 6 minutes, even after Roberto Carlos' splendid effort and having the greater possession thoughout the game. Real Madrid disappointed once again in the Copa del Rey, after being knocked out by Second Division Toledo in the first round. The competition's new format, where the first two rounds are played over a single leg in the lower category club's ground, clearly did not sit well with Real. The year 2000 ended on a positive note for Real Madrid, who was awarded the title of "Club of the Century" by FIFA in its annual gala night on December 11th. Luis Figo was second to Zinedine Zidane in the vote for Player of the Year, but a few days later, saw the result reversed, as he was awarded the prestigious Ballon d'Or (European Footballer of the Year) by France Football magazine. The portuguese midfielder thus becomes the third player in Real Madrid's history to receive this award, after Alfredo Di St�fano, who won it twice (1957 and 1959), and Raymond Kopa (1958). | |