JERUSALEM, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Former Barcelona luminaries, headlined by Brazilian icons Ronaldinho and Rivaldo, bested Maccabi Tel Aviv veterans 5-3 in a friendly match at Bloomfield Stadium in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv-Yafo on Tuesday evening.
Around 16,000 spectators watched as Ronaldinho deftly fed the ball to Argentinian Javier Saviola, who netted the first goal just three minutes into the 80-minute contest.
Maccabi soon leveled the score, thanks to Barak Badash. However, after Ronaldinho was fouled in the penalty area by Amir Schelach, Rivaldo confidently converted the penalty, making it 2-1.
Bojan Krkic and Jofre Mateu further extended Barcelona's lead early in the second half. Maccabi, however, retaliated with goals from Red Star Belgrade assistant coach Guy Tzarfati and Israel Under-20 head coach Ofir Haim.
Barca's Roger Garcia solidified the victory in the closing minute, capitalizing on a precise pass from Saviola.
"It's incredibly thrilling to play alongside former Barcelona teammates," Rivaldo remarked. "Especially with Ronaldinho, with whom I clinched the World Cup in 2002 representing Brazil."
On Thursday, the Barcelona legends will face off against Maccabi Haifa veterans at the Sammy Ofer Stadium in the northern Israeli city of Haifa. ■
