Ronaldinho rolls back the years in Barcelona vs Real Madrid legends clash

Ronaldinho rolled back the years in legends clash between Barcelona vs Real Madrid on Tuesday.

Played in Tel Aviv, Israel, the Brazilian lined up alongside some fellow El Clasico icons.

Madrid beat the Blaugrana 3-2, with goals from Pedro Munitis, Alfonso Perez and Ruben de la Red cancelling out strikes from the iconic attacking midfielder and Jofre Mateu.

Barca boasted Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Deco and Javier Saviola (one of six across both sides to have played for both clubs), and for Madrid, the biggest names on their team sheet were captain Roberto Carlos and ex-Barca man Luis Figo.

Always a smile on his face - Ronaldinho was loving strutting his stuff in blue and red again ( Image:

MarcaTV)

Dominating the early part of the game, 41-year-old Ronaldinho played with the swagger to warrant a YouTube compilation, setting up compatriot Rivaldo for a number of squandered opportunities.

Thankfully for the trickster, he scored himself by slamming home a sweetly-struck penalty past Jordi Codina, who made just one appearance during his days at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Supporters were treated to his iconic trademark celebration - an outstretched thumb and little finger from his clenched fist.

After heading into half-time trailing, Real responded immediately after the restart as Jose Amavisca's long-range effort was saved but finished on the rebound by Munitits.

The goalscorer then turned provider to set up Perez before Mateu weaved his way in and slotted home and equalised with 20 minutes remaining.

Not even one minute later, Los Blancos' de la Red then showed great skill to find space for a shot and notch in the winner.

Ronaldinho was the star of the show and given a standing ovation ( Image:

Marca TV)

As much as plenty of quality was on show, Ronaldinho stole it.

Not only was his penalty, given by Sapir Berma - the first transgender referee in international football - effortless, but his dazzling dribbles, cute passes and shot that hit the post gave the crowd the sort of entertainment that they came for.

The Barca playmaker looked to be having the time of his life on the pitch, firing off an early sighter from just beyond the halfway line and performing a no-look pass.

Ronaldinho pulled off a no-look pass and pulled out plenty of tricks ( Image:

MarcaTV)

During his time at the Nou Camp, Ronaldinho picked up two La Liga titles and one Champions League, as well as the 2005 Ballon d'Or, like team-mate Rivaldo did in Catalonia six years prior.

Social media was ablaze with reaction, with one fan tweeting: "It's just a pen but Ronaldinho - wearing 10 - hugging Rivaldo - who's also wearing 10 - is giving me serious nostalgia."

Another added: "There's something about watching Ronaldinho play that will always make me smile" with a heart-eyes emoji.

The Israel-hosted match is one of many set to be played involving Barcelona legends around the globe.

A statement said the exhibition matches are "designed to help promote the Barca name and values around the world through its former players, and to enable them to continue playing for the team even after retiring as professionals.

"The aim is to play games and run parallel events in different places around the world."