A Real Madrid-Juventus game was the scenario back in March, 1996 upon
which Raúl confirmed himself as a superstar on the European stage. The
nº7 had already made an appearance that season in the Champions League
during the group stage – in which he scored five goals -, but it was in
that great clash of titans in the quarterfinals that the legend began.
It was the game that put his name in the mouths of everyone. Firstly, because of the goal that brought the Italian giant to its knees at the Santiago Bernabéu (1-0). Secondly, because of the picture that was published throughout the world – Raúl, just 18 years old, defiantly squaring up to Vierchowod, a 36-year-old battle-scarred veteran. Forehead against forehead, the Real player didn't budge an inch, refusing to be intimidated. Finally, it was Vierchowod who backed off and walked away.
Thanks to games like that one, Raúl became Morata's idol, back then just a wee 3-year-old toddler. As the young youth player grew, so did Raúl's fame. Morata has tried to emulate his idol's style of play, doing his very best to follow in his bootsteps.
Nearly 18 years on from Raúl's coming of age, it is now Morata's turn. The same rival, the same competition, and in the same stadium. This will be Morata's first step along Raul's road - a road littered with the 71 goals he scored in this European competition, and upon which can be found three Champions League Cups...
It was the game that put his name in the mouths of everyone. Firstly, because of the goal that brought the Italian giant to its knees at the Santiago Bernabéu (1-0). Secondly, because of the picture that was published throughout the world – Raúl, just 18 years old, defiantly squaring up to Vierchowod, a 36-year-old battle-scarred veteran. Forehead against forehead, the Real player didn't budge an inch, refusing to be intimidated. Finally, it was Vierchowod who backed off and walked away.
Thanks to games like that one, Raúl became Morata's idol, back then just a wee 3-year-old toddler. As the young youth player grew, so did Raúl's fame. Morata has tried to emulate his idol's style of play, doing his very best to follow in his bootsteps.
Nearly 18 years on from Raúl's coming of age, it is now Morata's turn. The same rival, the same competition, and in the same stadium. This will be Morata's first step along Raul's road - a road littered with the 71 goals he scored in this European competition, and upon which can be found three Champions League Cups...
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