Raul is already the all-time top-scorer in the history of the
European Cup to name one of several records. His 290th goal for
Madrid tonight - a fine strike against Sevilla to put his side back
in front - put him level with Carlos Alonso Gonzalez, nicknamed
Santillana - a deadly striker for los Blancos in the 70s
and 80s.
Alfredo Di Stefano, a legend of the 50s and 60s and currently the
club's honorary president, holds the all-time record with 307
strikes.
Despite Di Stefano's lack of international exposure for many
mitigating circumstances, he has regularly been spoken of in the
same breath as Pele and Maradona, and for Raul to break a record
held by such a great would be remarkable in this day and age.
He has already passed undisputed legends such as Ferenc Puskas,
Hugo Sanchez, Gento and Emilio Butragueno in his 14-year career,
beginning when he debuted against Real Zaragoza at 17 years of
age.
The Prince of Spain has netted 202 goals in La Liga, 61 in the
Champions League, 15 in the Copa del Rey, seven in the Spanish
Super Cup, two in the World Club Championship and a goal each in
the European Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup.
It is an extraordinary range of goals and, in such great shape,
he is likely to grab the 18 goals required to surpass Di Stefano's
record next season.
Raul is also second in for Madrid in terms of games played. Tonight
he played his 648th game for the club, with Manolo Sanchis leading
the way with 712 appearances. This record is slightly further out
of sight, but another three or perhaps four seasons could well see
him break that record as well.
President Ramon Calderon took a moment to pay tribute to the
legendary skipper.
"What delights me most is Raúl's attitude," he
said. "He is a symbol, an extraordinary player that has broken
practically every record.
"He is living a second youth and his teammates look up to him as
to a leader."