UEFA Champions League: Schalke 04 lock horns with United in semis
GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany: The experienced Raul put up yet another sterling performance on Wednesday night to help Schalke 04 eliminate Inter Milan by 7-3 on aggregate in the quarter-final of the UEFA Champions League 2011 here.
Raul of Schalke 04. Courtesy: Reuters
With this victory, the Bundesliga club has set date with the English Premier League giants Manchester United in the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League 2011.
The Spanish senior professional player, Raul, 33, was part of both the goals scored on Wednesday night, one of which goes under his name, which took the German club into his first-ever Champions League semi-final.
Schalke's Spanish striker Raul. Courtesy: Getty Images
It is important to mention here that Raul is the Champions League all-time top goal-scorer with 71 goals to his name.
Leading the Italian giants by 5-2 after the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final, the German Schalke 04 took full advantage of home conditions and support of crowd to win the second leg by 2-1.
Raul of Schalke 04. Courtesy: Reuters
Raul, who parted ways with the Spanish La Liga giants Real Mardrid last year, proved his prowess once again as he proved to be the main difference between the two sides as he has now propelled the German soccer club into the top four European clubs this year.
A smiling Raul told local media after the victory, “These are the rewards for my constant hard work and my love for the game. Now there will be two tough semi-finals with us against Manchester United and Real Madrid against Barcelona.”
Raul. Courtesy: Reuters
Schalke 04 skipper, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer told media, “Raul scored one goal and set up the other for Beni Hoewedes. On Saturday the fans wanted Raul in the stands but Beni went. Today it is Raul’s turn.”
Raul Gonzalez. Courtesy: Reuters
Schalke coach Ralf Rangnick stated on the occasion, “This team played two great games against Inter and when you only allow two chances for the reigning champions then you understand how good this team worked.”
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