Internet Desk: Before the two European superpowers Real Madrid and Juventus set the stage on fire to win the biggest trophy in Europe, the legends of European football enthralled in another showpiece occasion, the Ultimate Champion game.
The football fans of Cardiff thoroughly enjoyed the footballing royalty before the clash of titans in the Champions League.
While Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gianluigi Buffon were focusing on the Champions League final on Friday afternoon, legends of years gone by were taking part in another showpiece occasion, the Ultimate Champion game.
Gullit’s team boasted the likes of Cafu, Marcel Dessailly, Fabrizio Ravenelli and Eric Abidal, along with Welsh favourites Ryan Giggs and Ian Rush.
Arsenal legend Robert Pires was also part of the line-up, although his memories of Champions League finals are limited to an early exit in 2006, after goalkeeper Jens Lehman had been sent off.
Under Butragueno’s leadership were another selection of superstars, including Luis Figo, Davor Suker, Clarence Seedorf and Deco.
There were also Premier League legends Luis Garcia, Steve McManaman and Eidur Gudjohnsen, while David James was in goal, despite not having played Champions League football during his career.
Both sides also featured freestyle footballers and stars from other sports, including NBA stars Joel Embiid and Carmelo Anthony.
The game, which took place on a floating pitch in Cardiff, was a six-a-side affair, with Gullit’s side eventually running out 18-12 winners.