Real Madrid hosts Málaga CFF at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium tonight, nearly nine years after the Andalusian club's last visit to the capital. A straightforward encounter for Los Merengue, who have never lost to the Malagueños in La Liga: 30 Madrid victories and seven draws make up this historic record. Tonight's clash promises to be tense, in a context where Real Madrid are looking to bounce back after a difficult run of results.
A historic goal for Clemente
On February 12, 1950, Real Madrid, then in crisis with four matches without a win and a 5-1 defeat at the Metropolitano, faced Málaga in a tense atmosphere. Amidst the turmoil, the Madrid defender Clemente Fernández made history by scoring the only goal of the match. "I saw the ball coming and I didn't hesitate," he recounted after the game. A powerful shot that was enough to secure victory for his team, in a match where the Málaga goalkeeper, Césareo López, claimed there had been a prior foul: "There was a clear free-kick before the shot, from Pahíño to Aranau." This goal, the only one Clemente scored in 213 matches (144 official) with Real Madrid, would remain the sole goal of his white career over eleven seasons. An achievement all the more remarkable as he was captain and a founding member of the club, before becoming one of the most elegant defenders of his era.
From Unión de Amigos del Deporte to the Bernabéu
Born on November 23, 1919, Clemente began his career at Unión de Amigos del Deporte, where he played as a center-forward, inspired by his idol Gaspar Rubio. His game, marked by great technique, quickly set him apart. Signed from Betis de Cuatro Caminos, he joined Real Madrid in 1942, as the club sought to strengthen its squad for the Cup. His contract, worth five thousand pesetas, sealed his destiny with Los Merengue. Despite a difficult start, with a 3-2 defeat at San Mamés in November 1942 against Piru Gainza, Clemente gradually established himself. Loaned to Hércules for the 1943-1944 season, he played 25 of the 26 Segunda División matches, before returning to Real Madrid in July 1944. His journey ended on November 30, 1952, in a friendly against Jaén (6-1), after winning two Copa del Rey titles and a Copa Eva Duarte with the club.
An international career and a quiet end
International on three occasions with Spain, Clemente made history in Madrid football with his elegance and game vision. After his time at Real Madrid, he finished his career at Deportivo La Coruña before disappearing from the media spotlight. His wife, Mari Tere, remembered him as a man not prone to anger, except when someone woke him from his nap. He passed away in Madrid on July 17, 1996, leaving behind the memory of an extraordinary defender, ahead of his time. In an era when defenders were often rough and the ball was seen as an object to be kept away, Clemente stood out with his refined play. A center-back in an era that did not suit him, yet he managed to leave his mark on the club's history.
Fréderic Manet · 30 août 2026 · 3 min de lecture
