By David Lee Wheatley
Anticipation grew to fever pitch yesterday at the prospect of Spanish giants Real Madrid pitching up on the south coast for a friendly match in a million.
Acting upon an arrangement made through mutual contacts, Real arrived with their myriad stars in tow and entertained a near 12,000 crowd in attendance at the Goldsands Stadium.
The newly-promoted Cherries chose to cash in on the excitement surrounding the fixture by charging higher than usual rates for a seat. However, it didn't deter fans from turning up in their numbers, many of whom queued overnight to get their hands on tickets when they became available.
A line-up including Kaka, Modric, Ozil, Isco and Benzema certainly made the expense seem worthwhile.
Alas, Championship side Bournemouth were no match for the superstars from Madrid on a sulty Dorset day. Indeed, it appeared Real simply toyed with their hosts in converting several chances into six goals.
Resplendent in white, the world's costliest player Cristiano Ronaldo drew great appreciation from all four sides of the ground in hitting a handy double for the visitors. He was granted able support on the scoresheet from Khedira, Higuain, Di Maria and Casemiro as Carlo Ancelotti's men eased to a comfortable 6-0 victory.
Despite the £60 cost for a spot in the stands, those that bit the bullet and bought a seat will undoubtedly feel they got value for money in light of the world famous figures on display.
Meanwhile, the footballers representing Bournemouth will take numerous positives out of such an experience in spite of the disappointing defeat.
It'll be an event recalled many years into the future when Bournemouth supporters and players alike allow themselves the luxury of looking back on the night Ronaldo and Co rolled into town.
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