88th-minute freekick, 4m pesetas: The incredible worth of Cuauhtémoc Blanco's first goal at Santiago Bernabeu

Cuauhtémoc Blanco played a long and illustrious career as a footballer for many Liga MX sides and also for the Mexican National team. Blanco started his career with Mexican heavyweights, Club America, in 1992. The forward/attacking midfielder had scored 55 goals in 153 matches for America in 6 seasons. His 11 goals in 18 matches while on loan to Nexaca brought his total tally to 66 goals in 171 matches. His prolificacy in front of goal alerted Real Valladolid to his talents and the La Liga side signed him up in 2000. 

Cuauhtémoc Blanco statistics and records at Real Valladolid

Cuauhtémoc Blanco joined Real Valladolid on loan from Club America with the La Liga side taking him on for a 2-year loan deal. However, during the 2000/01 season, Blanco suffered a horrific broken leg injury, while on international duty, that kept him out of the side for 8 months. The injury limited him to just 3 appearances for the Spanish side in his first season, with no goals scored.

Blanco's second season on loan to Valladolid was more impactful for the forward. The Mexican made 20 appearances for Valladolid and scored 3 goals. Though, he was battling with a loss of form and homesickness, Blanco was still able to conjure some moments of brilliance. The most memorable one of those was his first goal for Real Valladolid against perennial champions, Real Madrid.

Cuauhtémoc Blanco first goal and how his teammates lost a bet

Cuauhtémoc Blanco always had the eye for the magnificent and whilst still looking for his first goal, he did not shy away from trying anything to get it. Thus, when Real Valladolid visited Real Madrid on 29th September, 2001 for the first-leg of their La Liga clash, Valladolid players bet 4 million pesetas (peseta is the old currency of Spain) that Real Madrid would win the game. 

However, in the 88th minute while Madrid were leading by one goal to nil, Valladolid won a free-kick. Blanco stepped up to take the kick and found the net with a sensational kick. Thus, the Mexican tied at game at 1-1 and won a point for Valladolid at the Santiago Bernabeu with his first goal in European football. Consequently, his teammates also lost the 4 million pesetas they had gambled on losing the match.