Alessandro Del Piero is one of the best talents produced in Italy. In his career, Del Piero has played for four different clubs namely Padova, Juventus, Sidney FC, and Delhi Dynamos. However, it was only with La Vecchia Signora that he became a legend.
During his 23 years of professional career, Del Piero spent 19 years devoted to the club, based in the City of Turin. The record as the club’s top scorer was also recorded, namely 290 goals with 42 of which he created through free kicks.
From 1993 to 2012, Del Piero had been through times with the Old Lady. Of course, there have been many memories with Juventus during this period. Whether it’s something beautiful or something bad.
Some of the beautiful moments that he had experienced, such as when the Champions League champion in 1996 or when embraced the Serie A trophy six times. Another happy experience was when you even got applause from your opponent’s supporters.
Yes. The big-name of Alessandro Del Piero as a football maestro is indeed difficult to be denied by any supporters. Especially when this Juventus legend appeared so stunning in a match.
For example is the thing happened on November 5, 2008, when Del Piero played for Juventus at Real Madrid, Santiago Bernabeu, in the Champions League group stage.
In the first Champions League match of the 2008/09 season which took place in the City of Turin, Juventus defeated Real Madrid by a score of 2-1 with Del Piero listing his name on the scoreboard.
At that time, Del Piero was in his best performance. In fact, at that time Juve was rebuilding strength after being relegated to Serie B because of the Calciopoli case. But this did not reduce the ferocity of Del Piero when facing Real Madrid’s star-studded squad.
Then in the match that took place at Santiago Bernabeu, Del Piero helped Juventus knock Real Madrid through the two goals he created.
Del Piero’s first goal was scored in the 17th minute. After receiving a pass from Marco Marchionni, Del Piero dribbled to the front of the Madrid penalty box. Without getting tight guard, the player who is familiarly called Alex was firing the ball with his left foot sliding hard and could not be reached by Madrid goalkeeper, Iker Casillas.
While Del Piero’s second goal against El Real was created through an incredible free kick in the 67th minute. Del Piero’s right foot curves past Madrid’s live fence. Iker Casillas was just stunned and did not move while seeing the fastball from a distance of 28 meters lodging in the right corner of the net.
Thanks to the glorious performance that made the host’s audience amazed. When Del Piero left the field to be replaced by Paolo De Ceglie in the 90th minute, the entire Santiago Bernabeu stadium was getting thunderous to pay respect for the Juventus captain.
Getting welcomed greatly by the supporters of the opponents, the Top Scores of the Serie A this previous season felt very honored and proud. Especially because Juventus and El Real have quite rivalries in the arena of European football. After the match, Del Piero also expressed his feelings.
“This is an amazing feeling in football. Scoring two goals and winning a big game, then getting applause from opposing supporters is a very unexpected thing. Amazing!” Del Piero said.
“You must live for a night like this. It has unique emotions in it. I am happy to see that the whole stadium gave me a standing ovation when I left the field,” Del Piero continued. (Quoted from Thestar)
Not only that, but the presence of Maradona also made Del Piero proud. Moreover, the football legend player also gave him a standing ovation.
“Maradona is in the stands? I am very happy to score in front of him. I hope he comes to see us more often,” said Del Piero proudly. (Quoted from Timesofmalta)
Speaking after the match, Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri highly praised the performances of his men and said: “Del Piero was once again extraordinary but the whole team played a fantastic game. Congratulations to the Madrid fans who applauded Del Piero. It’s fully feasible, a good gesture. “(Quoted from Sportsmole)
While Madrid coach Bern Schuster added: “I enjoy the standing ovation given to Alessandro Del Piero because he is a great player. He has proven his class and the Bernabeu acknowledges this fact.”
For this victory, Juve recorded five consecutive wins in all competitions. Two of them are by overthrowing Real Madrid. The victory also ensured a place in the last 16 for Juventus. Unfortunately, in the round of 16, they were eliminated by Chelsea.
