Raul has recalled his first Real Madrid goal, against Atletico Madrid in only his second senior appearance.
The future Madrid captain made his bow against Real Zaragoza a week earlier and, against Atletico, scored to kick off a prolific career that saw more than 300 goals for Los Blancos.
“Whether you’ve played one or a lot, like me, you always remember derbies,” the now-retired Raul said, Marca reports.
“Madrid derbies are special games for a lot of reasons. The rivalry in the city, what it means for supporters, and what it means to win or lose and what you’re remembering for the next few days…this is football.
“As soon as you went onto the field to warm up you knew the game was different. Seeing the stands and the passion of the people, cheering and shouting because they knew the outcome of the next 90 minutes was very important.
“At both Santiago Bernabeu and Vicente Calderon, the atmosphere was very special. They’re two great teams and, as a player, you always enjoyed being able to be there.
“If the result was favourable, you enjoyed it more, of course. But that feeling is something you never forget.
“Nor can you forget what it feels like to score a derby goal. In my case, I was fortunate to score the first of my career in a game of this impact.
“It was unforgettable and I remember there was a lot of love. We all knew these games were more than a win and the three points in the table.”
