Raul breaks scoring record in Schalke's 1-1 Champions League draw
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Former Real Madrid striker Raul Gonzalez made European soccer history on Tuesday with the equalizing goal he scored in Schalke 04's 1-1 draw away to Spanish side Valencia in their Champions League last-16 tie.
Raul's second half goal was his 70th goal in European competition, beating the record he had previously shared with Gerd Muller of 69 goals.
His goal leaves Valencia with an uphill struggle to make the quarter-finals of the competition, although the Spanish side will probably feel they deserved a better result.
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Record-breaking Spaniard Raul rescued German side Schalke in a tight Champions League last-16 clash. |
It was the first time that Raul had played in Spain since joining the Germans from Real Madrid in the summer.
Former Atletico Madrid midfielder Jose Jurado was also in the starting lineup for Schalke 04.
However, it was Soldado, one of many strikers who had to leave Real Madrid during Raul's spell at the club, who opened the scoring. Aritz Aduriz laid the ball up for advancing full back Jeremy Mathieu and Soldado was first to the defender's cross to slip the ball past Schalke 04 keeper Manuel Neuer.
It was an open game and both sides had good chances. Valencia keeper Guaita did well to tip a Peer Kluge effort onto the bar, while at the other end Soldado turned a Miguel Brito Garcia cross just wide.
Aduriz also saw a shot hit the outside of the Schalke 04 net as the home side looked to finish the first half on top.
Valencia began the second half on top and again looking the better side, but after they had spurned several half chances Raul scored the equalizer with a typically neat finish, beating David Navarro to Jurado's pass.
The goal saw Raul overtake Gerd Muller's record as the top scorer in all European competitions.
The goal visibly rocked Valencia's confidence and coach Unia Emery reacted by bringing on wingers Vicente Rodriguez and Joaquin Sanchez, but Jan Klass Huntelaar came closest to scoring only to see his shot repelled by Vicente Guaita in the Valencia goal.
There was still time for Schalke defender Lukas Schmitz to be sent off for an off the ball incident, but it was too late for Valencia to take advantage.
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