Real record-setter Raul deserves all the praise

• by Paul Kennedy  @pkedit, Feb 16, 2009

[SPAIN] Raul became Real Madrid's all-time leading scorer when he scored twice in Real's 4-0 win over Sporting Gijon to give him  309 goals, two more than Alfredo di Stefano's long-standing record of 307 goals. More importantly, Real Madrid picked up two points on Barcelona with its eighth straight win and moved within 10 points of La Liga leader. Barca had to come back from two goals down to tie Real Betis, 2-2.

"It will be many years before there is another player that emerges to beat his record," said Real Madrid coach Juande Ramos of Raul. "The team scores the goals but Raul has had a great career over many years and deserves all the praise that comes his way."

Raul, who is still only 31, has scored 216 goals in La Liga, 18 in the Copa del Rey and 64 in the UEFA Champions League. The other 11 goals were scored in other tournaments.

Samuel Eto'o scored both Barca goals, increasing his La Liga lead to 23, as Barcelona rallied to extend its unbeaten streak to 22 games. The tie ended a 10-game winning streak, however.

"We are a bit closer after cutting Barcelona's lead by two points but it is still going to be difficult," added Ramos. "It is not in our hands after all."

REAL MADRID ALL-TIME SCORERS
Player (Years) G
1. Raul (1994-present) 309
2. Alfredo Di Stefano (1953-1964) 307
3. Carlos Santillana (1971-1988) 290
4. Ferenc Puskas (1958-1966) 240
5. Hugo Sanchez (1985-1992) 209
6. Francisco Gento (1952-1970) 183
7. Pirri (1964-1979) 171
8. Emilio Butragueno (1983-1995) 170
9. Amancio (1962-1976) 155
10. Michel (1981-1996) 130