The 10 February 1980 The Whites came to Barcelona to play 'The classic’ Spanish football. In its ranks a British youth named Laurie Cunningham. The left end had come to the capital of Spain at the rate of 195 million pesetas (the most expensive in the history of the club at that time) from the West Bromwich Albion in which it had curdled two excellent seasons.
Formed in the front next to Santillana Y Juanito, Cunningham He emerged as the star of the game. English footballer was in charge of desarbolar the Barca defense with endless feints, dribbling and overflow booting from the band. Although the result was still break goalless draw, in the second part two goals García Hernández Y Santillana (after an excellent move by the British) They gave a great victory to Real Madrid home of the eternal rival.
CUNNINGHAM applauded by the CAMP NOU
Although he did not score, the public of Camp Nou I could recognize the big game Cunningham. Footballer Real Madrid He was cheered by rival fans, something very unusual in this type of encounter with such rivalry. This is an extract of chronic Alfredo Relaño for The country: “The only consolation for the Barcelona public was enjoying the spectacle of Cunningham every time the ball fell in the feet and cuts creepy entries Zuviría, his sudden starts and its displays of ball control were rewarded with standing ovations as if the game will be played in the field of Madrid. Barcelona showed the audience knows to side with the best, although not the best Barca…”
That first season as a footballer Real Madrid of Cunningham she was good. He played 29 games as a starter and authored 8 goals. further, Real Madrid won the double set (League and Copa del Rey). But nevertheless, gradually decreasing performance was due, especially, the injuries did not allow him to maintain the level shown in his first year on the team.
From there began a carousel of transfers to teams in England, France and even Spain. The Sporting Gijon and the Vallecano Ray (in two stages) were his other teams in our country. In the season 1988-1989 He won promotion to the First Division with Team Vallecas. With the completion and full negotiations to renew his contract season with team red trim, Cunningham He suffered a tragic car accident that ended his life. I had 33 years. He will always be remembered as the first footballer Real Madrid to be cheered home of the eternal rival.
