2002–03 Real Madrid CF season
The 2002–03 Real Madrid CF season marked a triumphant domestic campaign for the club under manager Vicente del Bosque, as they clinched the La Liga title on the final matchday with a 3–1 victory over Athletic Bilbao, finishing with 78 points from 22 wins, 12 draws, and 4 losses, ahead of runners-up Real Sociedad by two points.[1][2][3] In European competition, as defending UEFA Champions League winners, Real Madrid advanced to the semi-finals but were eliminated by Juventus on aggregate (3–4), following a 2–1 home win and a 1–3 away defeat, with goals from stars like Ronaldo and Zidane highlighting their attacking prowess.[4][5][6] They also secured the UEFA Super Cup with a 3–1 victory over Feyenoord in August 2002 and later won the Intercontinental Cup 2–0 against Olimpia Asunción in December, solidifying their global status.[7][8] Domestically, Real Madrid's Copa del Rey run ended in the quarter-finals after scoring 20 goals across six matches, showcasing their offensive depth but falling short against RCD Mallorca.[9][7] The season epitomized the Galácticos era under president Florentino Pérez, bolstered by the high-profile €45 million signing of Brazilian striker Ronaldo from Inter Milan in August 2002, who quickly became a focal point with 23 La Liga goals.[10][11] Key contributors included Raúl (16 league goals), Luís Figo (10), and Zinedine Zidane, whose creativity drove the team's 86-goal haul in La Liga, while Iker Casillas anchored the defense.[7][1] Despite the successes, the campaign ended bittersweetly, as manager Vicente del Bosque was sacked and captain Fernando Hierro was released just days after the league triumph, paving the way for further Galácticos acquisitions like David Beckham the following summer.[12][13][14]Overview
Season summary
The 2002–03 season marked a triumphant return to form for Real Madrid CF under manager Vicente del Bosque, building on the club's centennial celebrations from the previous year that had boosted morale and global interest in the Galácticos project led by president Florentino Pérez.[15][16] Pre-season optimism was heightened by the high-profile signing of Brazilian striker Ronaldo from Inter Milan in August 2002 for €45 million, integrating him into an already star-studded attack featuring Zinedine Zidane, Luís Figo, and Raúl González.[10][17] This influx strengthened the team's offensive capabilities, setting the stage for a campaign defined by attacking flair amid ongoing defensive concerns, including wins in the UEFA Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup. Throughout the season, Real Madrid navigated a competitive La Liga race against rivals like Real Sociedad and Valencia, ultimately clinching the title on the final matchday with a 3–1 victory over Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabéu, finishing with 78 points from 22 wins, 12 draws, and 4 losses.[18][1] In the UEFA Champions League, as defending champions, they progressed through the group stage and knockout rounds, defeating Manchester United 6–5 aggregate in the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Juventus 3–4 aggregate in the semi-finals. The team's attacking prowess was evident in La Liga, where they scored 86 goals—the highest in the competition—driven by the seamless blend of creative midfielders like Zidane and the finishing of Raúl and the newly arrived Ronaldo.[1] However, defensive vulnerabilities persisted, conceding 42 goals in the league, often exposing the backline in transitions and contributing to tense moments in the title race.[19] Key contributions from Zidane's vision, Raúl's leadership, and Roberto Carlos's overlapping runs proved decisive in securing the league title, underscoring Del Bosque's tactical balance in harnessing the squad's star power.[17]Major achievements
The 2002–03 season saw Real Madrid CF secure the La Liga title, their 29th championship, with 78 points from 22 wins, 12 draws, and 4 losses, finishing 2 points ahead of runners-up Real Sociedad who amassed 76 points.[1][20] Real Madrid extended their success into the subsequent months by winning the 2002 UEFA Super Cup—the club's first in the competition—with a 3–1 victory against Feyenoord at the Stade Louis II in Monaco.[21] Later, in December 2002, they claimed their third Intercontinental Cup, defeating Olimpia 2–0 in Yokohama, Japan, with goals from Ronaldo in the 14th minute and Guti in the 84th.[8] These triumphs highlighted standout individual performances, including Ronaldo Nazário's 23 goals in his debut La Liga season, which played a key role in the domestic title win. Zidane's creativity further cemented the season's legacy as a pinnacle of attacking brilliance. The season's achievements were framed by significant milestones, coinciding with Real Madrid's 100th anniversary celebrations throughout 2002, which culminated in these major trophies and reinforced the club's global stature.[22] It also served as the final campaign for manager Vicente del Bosque, who departed shortly after the La Liga triumph despite guiding the team to these honors.[13] In contrast, a quarter-final exit from the Copa del Rey against RCD Mallorca underscored the season's selective focus on league and European success.[23]Squad
Incoming transfers
The primary incoming transfer for Real Madrid during the 2002–03 season occurred in the summer window, when the club signed Brazilian forward Ronaldo from Inter Milan for a then-world-record fee of €45 million on August 31, 2002.[10] Ronaldo, fresh off leading Brazil to the 2002 FIFA World Cup title, made his debut for the team on October 6, 2002, in a La Liga match against Deportivo Alavés, where he scored twice in a 5–2 victory.[24] This acquisition exemplified president Florentino Pérez's Galácticos initiative, aimed at assembling a constellation of global superstars to enhance the club's attacking prowess alongside Zinedine Zidane and Luís Figo, thereby increasing commercial appeal and on-field dominance.[17] Minor additions focused on youth integration and loan returns, though some players were subsequently loaned out. Midfielder Tote was signed from Real Valladolid for an undisclosed fee, adding versatility to the midfield options.[25] Loan returns included David Aganzo from RCD Espanyol, Javier Dorado from Sporting Gijón, and Edwin Congo from FC Toulouse in June 2002, but Aganzo was loaned back to Espanyol, Dorado to Rayo Vallecano, and Congo transferred to Levante at the start of the season.[26] The winter transfer window in January 2003 saw no significant incomings, with the club opting for internal adjustments rather than external acquisitions to maintain financial balance amid outgoing loans.[26] Overall, Real Madrid's transfer expenditure for the season totaled €45 million, predominantly driven by the Ronaldo deal.[26]| Player | Position | From | Fee | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ronaldo | Forward | Inter Milan | €45 million | August 31, 2002 |
| Tote | Midfielder | Real Valladolid | Undisclosed | July 2002 |
Outgoing transfers
During the summer transfer window of 2002, Real Madrid facilitated several departures to manage squad depth and raise funds ahead of high-profile acquisitions. Key outgoing moves included the loan of defensive midfielder Iván Campo to Bolton Wanderers, which later became a permanent free transfer in July 2003.[27] Brazilian winger Sávio was loaned to Bordeaux for the 2002–03 season, allowing him 27 appearances in Ligue 1. Flávio Conceição, who had struggled with injuries and limited playing time, remained on the squad through the season but was loaned to Borussia Dortmund the following summer, effectively ending his Real Madrid tenure without a fee. Other notable moves included loans for Geremi to Middlesbrough and Pedro Munitis to Racing Santander. These outgoing transfers generated €8.2–10 million in fees overall from sales, providing modest financial relief amid €45 million spent on Ronaldo and helping clear squad space for new stars, though the loss of midfield options like Campo and Sávio reduced depth despite Claude Makélélé's retention.[26][10] In the winter window of 2002–03, activity was limited to loans aimed at providing playing time to fringe players. Valdo, a Cape Verdean midfielder, was loaned to CA Osasuna in December 2002, where he made 13 appearances.[25] Álvaro Benito, a left midfielder plagued by injuries, had already departed in the summer to Getafe but effectively retired in July 2003 after brief stints, including time with lower-tier clubs like CF Extremadura; no direct winter loan from Real Madrid occurred for him. Raúl Bravo was loaned to Leeds United in January 2003.[25]| Player | Position | Destination | Type | Fee | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iván Campo | Defensive Midfield | Bolton Wanderers | Loan (permanent free 2003) | €0 | Aug 2002 |
| Sávio | Left Winger | Bordeaux | Loan | €0 | Aug 2002 |
| Geremi | Right Midfield | Middlesbrough | Loan | €0 | Jul 2002 |
| Pedro Munitis | Second Striker | Racing Santander | Loan | €0 | Jul 2002 |
| Valdo | Central Midfield | CA Osasuna | Loan | €0 | Dec 2002 |
| Raúl Bravo | Centre-Back | Leeds United | Loan | €0 | Jan 2003 |
Squad details
The 2002–03 Real Madrid CF squad comprised 25 players across various positions, featuring a mix of world-class talents and youth academy promotions that provided depth for domestic and European campaigns.[28] This roster was notably strengthened by the high-profile signing of Ronaldo from Inter Milan, adding firepower to the forward line alongside established stars like Zinedine Zidane and Raúl. Youth integrations, such as defensive midfielder Borja Fernández from Real Madrid Castilla, offered additional options in midfield.Goalkeepers
The goalkeeper contingent was led by the young Iker Casillas as the primary option, supported by experienced backups.| Jersey No. | Player Name | Position | Nationality | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iker Casillas | Goalkeeper | Spain | 21 |
| 13 | César Sánchez | Goalkeeper | Spain | 31 |
| 25 | Carlos Sánchez | Goalkeeper | Spain | 24 |
Defenders
The defense combined veteran leaders like Fernando Hierro and Roberto Carlos with promising youngsters, providing versatility across backline roles.| Jersey No. | Player Name | Position | Nationality | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Míchel Salgado | Right-Back | Spain | 27 |
| 3 | Roberto Carlos | Left-Back | Brazil/Spain | 29 |
| 4 | Fernando Hierro | Centre-Back | Spain | 34 |
| 6 | Iván Helguera | Centre-Back | Spain | 27 |
| 15 | Raúl Bravo | Centre-Back | Spain | 21 |
| 17 | Óscar Miñambres | Right-Back | Spain | 21 |
| 22 | Francisco Pavón | Centre-Back | Spain | 22 |
| 29 | Rubén González | Centre-Back | Spain | 20 |
Midfielders
Midfield duties were anchored by defensive specialists like Claude Makélélé, while creative forces such as Zidane and Luís Figo drove the attack from deeper positions; youth player Borja Fernández added squad depth as a defensive midfielder.| Jersey No. | Player Name | Position | Nationality | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Zinedine Zidane | Attacking Midfield | France/Algeria | 30 |
| 8 | Steve McManaman | Right Midfield | England | 30 |
| 10 | Luís Figo | Right Winger | Portugal | 30 |
| 12 | Tote | Attacking Midfield | Spain | 23 |
| 14 | Guti | Central Midfield | Spain | 25 |
| 16 | Flávio Conceição | Central Midfield | Brazil/Spain | 28 |
| 19 | Esteban Cambiasso | Defensive Midfield | Argentina/Italy | 22 |
| 20 | Albert Celades | Defensive Midfield | Spain/Andorra | 27 |
| 21 | Santiago Solari | Left Midfield | Argentina/Spain | 25 |
| 24 | Claude Makélélé | Defensive Midfield | France/DR Congo | 29 |
| 32 | Borja Fernández | Defensive Midfield | Spain | 21 |
Forwards
The forward line boasted elite goal-scorers, with Ronaldo's arrival enhancing the lethal partnership of Raúl and Fernando Morientes.| Jersey No. | Player Name | Position | Nationality | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Raúl | Second Striker | Spain | 25 |
| 9 | Fernando Morientes | Centre-Forward | Spain | 26 |
| 11 | Ronaldo | Centre-Forward | Brazil/Spain | 26 |
| 18 | Javier Portillo | Centre-Forward | Spain | 20 |
Kit and sponsors
Home and centennial kit
The home kit for the 2002–03 Real Madrid CF season served as the primary uniform, incorporating centennial elements to continue celebrating the club's 100th anniversary from its founding in 1902. Manufactured by Adidas, it featured the brand's signature three stripes along the shoulders in black, maintaining the short-sleeved standard for matchday wear. A special embroidered patch reading "1902-2002" was affixed to the left sleeve, honoring the milestone and distinguishing it as the centennial edition.[29][30][31] The design adhered to Real Madrid's iconic all-white aesthetic, with the club crest positioned on the left chest and the new Siemens Mobile sponsor logo printed in blue across the front. This sponsor agreement, replacing the previous one, was prominently displayed in a bold, centered placement typical of the era's kit branding. The kit's clean, minimalist lines emphasized tradition while aligning with the Galácticos' glamorous image.[32][33] Worn exclusively for all home fixtures in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the centennial home kit symbolized continuity of the anniversary festivities into the new campaign. It debuted during pre-season friendlies, allowing players like Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, and Raúl to showcase the design early, and became synonymous with the team's triumphant La Liga-winning season under manager Vicente del Bosque.[34][35]Away and third kits
For the 2002–03 season, Real Madrid's away kit featured a solid black base color, marking a departure from the club's traditional white home uniform and providing a sleek alternative for matches against opponents with similar colors. The design included white accents on the crew neck collar, sleeve cuffs, and the three Adidas stripes running along the shoulders, with the club's crest positioned on the left chest in its standard embroidered form adapted for the centenary celebration. Manufactured by Adidas, the kit was constructed from lightweight polyester fabric with short sleeves, ensuring breathability and mobility during play.[36][37] The third kit revived the purple color associated with Real Madrid's away uniforms from the 1980s, such as the 1982–83 season, but was deployed as an alternate option for UEFA Champions League and cup fixtures where color clashes occurred. This all-purple jersey adopted a simple, v-neck design with white detailing on the sleeves and Adidas branding, complemented by a reversible construction that allowed the white reverse side to serve as a fallback similar to the home kit. The centenary theme was incorporated through special embroidered badges commemorating the club's 1902 founding, adding a subtle historical nod without altering the core aesthetic. Like the away kit, it utilized short-sleeved polyester material for performance consistency across the squad.[36][38][39]Sponsors
For the 2002–03 season, marking Real Madrid's centennial year, Siemens Mobile served as the club's new shirt sponsor in its debut campaign, with the logo prominently displayed on the front of all match kits in a blue color scheme to align with the brand's identity.[40] This partnership replaced the previous sponsor and provided high visibility during La Liga, UEFA Champions League, and other competitive fixtures, contributing to the club's global branding efforts amid the Galácticos era.[41] Adidas continued as the kit manufacturer under a multi-year deal that began in 1998, supplying the team's home, away, third, and goalkeeper kits with special centennial customizations such as commemorative badges and patches integrated into the designs for the historic season.[42] These elements ensured the sponsor's logo was consistently featured across all official apparel worn in matches, enhancing commercial exposure on the pitch.[43] Additional commercial partnerships included Adidas providing similar branding for training kits, which also bore the Siemens Mobile logo, further amplifying sponsor visibility during pre-match preparations and non-competitive sessions throughout the season.[42] The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, while not subject to a naming rights deal at the time, hosted matches where these sponsor elements were showcased to large audiences.[41]Pre-season and friendlies
Fixtures and results
Real Madrid's pre-season campaign in 2002 began with a training camp in Austria, where the team played two friendlies against local sides, followed by high-profile matches as part of the club's centenary celebrations and other invitational tournaments across Europe and the United States. These games allowed manager Vicente del Bosque to test squad depth ahead of the competitive season start on August 30. The team participated in seven documented friendlies, scoring a total of 23 goals while conceding 9, with matches primarily held in Spain, Austria, Portugal, and the US.[44]| Date | Opponent | Result | Venue | Goalscorers (Real Madrid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 July 2002 | Obersteirische FV (Austria) | 10–0 win | Irdning, Austria | Sávio (2), Pavón (2), Portillo (2), Guti, McManaman, Helguera, Morientes [44] |
| 28 July 2002 | Grazer AK (Austria) | 2–3 loss | Graz, Austria | Portillo, Zidane [44] |
| 2 August 2002 | Liverpool (England) | 2–0 win | Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain | Figo 39', Portillo 52' [45] |
| 4 August 2002 | Bayern Munich (Germany) | 1–2 loss | Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain | Figo 82' (pen.) [46] |
| 8 August 2002 | Roma (Italy) | 0–0 draw | Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, USA | None [47] |
| 17 August 2002 | Benfica (Portugal) | 3–2 win | Estádio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal | Figo 12', Raúl 68', Zidane 78' [48] |
| 24 August 2002 | Dinamo București (Romania) | 5–2 win | Alicante, Spain (Trofeo Ciudad de Alicante) | Raúl 33', Hierro 55' (pen.), Portillo 72', 78', Sávio 88' (pen.) [49] |
Key highlights
The pre-season campaign for Real Madrid in 2002 showcased the growing synergy between key Galácticos, particularly Luís Figo and Zinedine Zidane, as they dominated proceedings in the August 2 friendly against Liverpool at the Santiago Bernabéu. Figo opened the scoring with a free-kick in the 39th minute, setting the tone for a first half where he and Zidane operated on an elevated level, combining flair and control to outclass the English side.[45][50][51] This chemistry, honed under Vicente del Bosque's guidance, hinted at the attacking fluidity that would define the season, with Zidane dictating play from midfield and Figo exploiting spaces on the wing. Young talents also made their mark, notably Javier Portillo, who netted the second goal against Liverpool in the 52nd minute to secure a 2-0 victory, demonstrating his poise as a Raúl understudy. Portillo further impressed by scoring twice in the 5-2 win over Dinamo București in the Trofeo Ciudad de Alicante on August 24, underscoring the depth in the forward line during squad rotations. These performances integrated emerging players into the first-team setup, building momentum ahead of the competitive fixtures.[45][50] Del Bosque utilized pre-season to refine his 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing defensive solidity with a double pivot while unleashing creative freedom for Zidane in the advanced midfield role. High-scoring outings, such as the 5-2 triumph against Dinamo București, highlighted the squad's offensive potential, with contributions from Raúl, Fernando Hierro, and Sávio signaling a potent attack. This tactical experimentation balanced the star-studded lineup, preparing them for the rigors of La Liga and the Champions League.La Liga
League table
Real Madrid clinched the 2002–03 La Liga title, finishing first in the league table with 78 points from 38 matches, recording 22 wins, 12 draws, and 4 losses, while scoring 86 goals and conceding 42.[52] They ended the season two points ahead of runners-up Real Sociedad, who amassed 76 points, while Barcelona placed sixth with 56 points.[52] The title was secured on the final day with a 3–1 home victory over Athletic Bilbao, as Real Sociedad suffered a 3–2 defeat to Real Murcia.[53] Real Madrid's strong home form contributed significantly, with 13 wins, 5 draws, and 1 loss yielding 44 points at the Santiago Bernabéu, compared to 9 wins, 7 draws, and 3 losses for 34 points away.[1] The final league standings are presented below:| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Real Madrid | 38 | 22 | 12 | 4 | 86 | 42 | +44 | 78 |
| 2 | Real Sociedad | 38 | 22 | 10 | 6 | 71 | 45 | +26 | 76 |
| 3 | Deportivo La Coruña | 38 | 22 | 6 | 10 | 67 | 47 | +20 | 72 |
| 4 | Celta Vigo | 38 | 17 | 10 | 11 | 45 | 36 | +9 | 61 |
| 5 | Valencia | 38 | 17 | 9 | 12 | 56 | 35 | +21 | 60 |
| 6 | Barcelona | 38 | 15 | 11 | 12 | 63 | 47 | +16 | 56 |
| 7 | Athletic Bilbao | 38 | 15 | 10 | 13 | 63 | 61 | +2 | 55 |
| 8 | Real Betis | 38 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 56 | 53 | +3 | 54 |
| 9 | Mallorca | 38 | 14 | 10 | 14 | 49 | 56 | −7 | 52 |
| 10 | Sevilla | 38 | 13 | 11 | 14 | 38 | 39 | −1 | 50 |
| 11 | Osasuna | 38 | 12 | 11 | 15 | 40 | 48 | −8 | 47 |
| 12 | Atlético Madrid | 38 | 12 | 11 | 15 | 51 | 56 | −5 | 47 |
| 13 | Málaga | 38 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 44 | 49 | −5 | 46 |
| 14 | Real Valladolid | 38 | 12 | 10 | 16 | 37 | 40 | −3 | 46 |
| 15 | Villarreal | 38 | 11 | 12 | 15 | 44 | 53 | −9 | 45 |
| 16 | Racing Santander | 38 | 13 | 5 | 20 | 54 | 64 | −10 | 44 |
| 17 | Espanyol | 38 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 48 | 54 | −6 | 43 |
| 18 | Recreativo | 38 | 8 | 12 | 18 | 35 | 61 | −26 | 36 |
| 19 | Alavés | 38 | 8 | 11 | 19 | 38 | 68 | −30 | 35 |
| 20 | Rayo Vallecano | 38 | 7 | 11 | 20 | 31 | 62 | −31 | 32 |
Results by round
Real Madrid's performance in the 2002–03 La Liga season showed a gradual build-up of momentum, starting with inconsistent results marked by frequent draws that limited early progress. After the first 11 rounds, the team had secured just 18 points, hampered by stalemates like the 1–1 draw against Real Betis in round 2 and goalless ties against Real Sociedad and Barcelona in rounds 10 and 11, respectively.[54] A mid-season surge transformed their campaign, as Real Madrid won seven of eight matches from round 12 to 19, including emphatic victories such as 5–1 away at Mallorca in round 13 and 4–1 at home against Valencia in round 16, elevating their cumulative points to 38 by round 19.[54] This run established them as title contenders, though occasional setbacks like the 4–2 loss to Real Sociedad in round 29 tested their resolve. Late-season resilience, highlighted by a 3–1 home win over Athletic Bilbao in the decisive round 38, clinched the championship with 78 points.[54] The following table summarizes the results by round, including opponents, scores from Real Madrid's perspective, outcomes, and cumulative points after each matchday.[54]| Round | Opponent (H/A) | Score (GF–GA) | Result | Cum. Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Espanyol (H) | 2–0 | W | 3 |
| 2 | Real Betis (A) | 1–1 | D | 4 |
| 3 | Osasuna (H) | 4–1 | W | 7 |
| 4 | Valladolid (A) | 1–1 | D | 8 |
| 5 | Alavés (H) | 5–2 | W | 11 |
| 6 | Racing Santander (A) | 0–2 | L | 11 |
| 7 | Villarreal (H) | 1–1 | D | 12 |
| 8 | Deportivo La Coruña (A) | 0–0 | D | 13 |
| 9 | Rayo Vallecano (A) | 3–2 | W | 16 |
| 10 | Real Sociedad (H) | 0–0 | D | 17 |
| 11 | Barcelona (A) | 0–0 | D | 18 |
| 12 | Sevilla (H) | 3–0 | W | 21 |
| 13 | Mallorca (A) | 5–1 | W | 24 |
| 14 | Recreativo (H) | 4–2 | W | 27 |
| 15 | Málaga (A) | 3–2 | W | 30 |
| 16 | Valencia (H) | 4–1 | W | 33 |
| 17 | Celta Vigo (A) | 1–0 | W | 36 |
| 18 | Atlético Madrid (H) | 2–2 | D | 37 |
| 19 | Athletic Bilbao (A) | 1–1 | D | 38 |
| 20 | Espanyol (A) | 2–2 | D | 39 |
| 21 | Real Betis (H) | 4–1 | W | 42 |
| 22 | Osasuna (A) | 0–1 | L | 42 |
| 23 | Valladolid (H) | 3–1 | W | 45 |
| 24 | Alavés (A) | 5–1 | W | 48 |
| 25 | Racing Santander (H) | 4–1 | W | 51 |
| 26 | Villarreal (A) | 1–0 | W | 54 |
| 27 | Deportivo La Coruña (H) | 2–0 | W | 57 |
| 28 | Rayo Vallecano (H) | 3–1 | W | 60 |
| 29 | Real Sociedad (A) | 2–4 | L | 60 |
| 30 | Barcelona (H) | 1–1 | D | 61 |
| 31 | Sevilla (A) | 3–1 | W | 64 |
| 32 | Mallorca (H) | 1–5 | L | 64 |
| 33 | Recreativo (A) | 0–0 | D | 65 |
| 34 | Málaga (H) | 5–1 | W | 68 |
| 35 | Valencia (A) | 2–1 | W | 71 |
| 36 | Celta Vigo (H) | 1–1 | D | 72 |
| 37 | Atlético Madrid (A) | 4–0 | W | 75 |
| 38 | Athletic Bilbao (H) | 3–1 | W | 78 |
Match summaries
Real Madrid's 2002–03 La Liga campaign featured a blend of dominant home performances and gritty away results, with the team employing a fluid 4-3-3 formation under Vicente del Bosque that emphasized quick transitions and exploitation of the Galácticos' individual talents, particularly through Ronaldo's finishing and Zidane's playmaking. Home matches often turned into high-scoring spectacles, averaging over 3 goals per game, while away fixtures highlighted defensive resilience, conceding just 1.11 goals per match overall. The season saw 86 goals scored across 38 games, with key moments frequently involving set-pieces from Roberto Carlos and counter-attacks led by Figo and Raúl.[1][55] The following table summarizes each match, focusing on tactics, pivotal moments, and outcomes:| Round | Date | Opponent | Venue | Score | Key Moments and Tactics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Sep 2002 | Espanyol | Home | 2–0 | Solid defensive setup limited Espanyol's attacks; Helguera opened scoring with a header from a corner in the 34th minute, followed by McManaman's late tap-in after a Guti pass, securing a controlled start.[56][57] |
| 2 | 8 Oct 2002 | Betis | Away | 1–1 | Resilient counter-attacking display; Raúl equalized in the 50th minute with a clinical finish after a Figo assist, holding firm against Betis' pressure in a tactical draw.[55] |
| 3 | 21 Sep 2002 | Osasuna | Home | 4–1 | High-pressing home dominance; Helguera's brace (10', 49'), Guti's long-range strike (50'), and Raúl's finish (78') overwhelmed Osasuna, showcasing midfield control.[56] |
| 4 | 28 Sep 2002 | Valladolid | Away | 1–1 | Defensive solidity on the road; Raúl's penalty in the 44th minute salvaged a point after Valladolid's early lead, with Makelele anchoring the midfield.[56] |
| 5 | 6 Oct 2002 | Alavés | Home | 5–2 | Explosive attacking flair; Zidane (1'), Figo (30', 71'), and Ronaldo's brace (64', 78') dismantled Alavés through rapid wing play and one-touch passing.[56] |
| 6 | 19 Oct 2002 | Racing Santander | Away | 0–2 | Defensive resilience in defeat; Despite Casillas' key saves and organized counters, Real Madrid fell to a 2–0 loss, highlighting early-season struggles away.[55] |
| 7 | 26 Oct 2002 | Villarreal | Home | 1–1 | Even contest with possession battles; Guti's curling shot earned a draw, but defensive lapses allowed Villarreal's equalizer.[55] |
| 8 | 2 Nov 2002 | Deportivo La Coruña | Away | 0–0 | Tactical stalemate against title rivals; Real's compact defense frustrated Deportivo's attacks, with Zidane's creativity neutralized.[55] |
| 9 | 9 Nov 2002 | Rayo Vallecano | Away | 3–2 | Dramatic comeback win; Trailing 0–2, Ronaldo and Figo scored late through set-pieces and counters, with Figo securing victory in stoppage time (93').[55] |
| 10 | 17 Nov 2002 | Real Sociedad | Home | 0–0 | Frustrating goalless draw; Sociedad's defense packed the box, limiting Real's star attackers despite Figo's crosses.[55] |
| 11 | 23 Nov 2002 | Barcelona | Away | 0–0 | Tense Clasico stalemate; Both sides prioritized defense, with Zidane's free-kick hitting the bar as the closest chance in a midfield-heavy affair.[55] |
| 12 | 2 Jan 2003 | Sevilla | Home | 3–0 | Convincing home rout; Ronaldo's hat-trick (including a volley) exploited Sevilla's high line via quick breaks.[55] |
| 13 | 8 Dec 2002 | Mallorca | Away | 5–1 | Devastating away thrashing; Ronaldo (hat-trick), Figo, and Raúl overwhelmed Mallorca with pace and finishing, a tactical masterclass.[55] |
| 14 | 15 Dec 2002 | Recreativo | Home | 4–2 | High-scoring home win; Ronaldo's brace and Helguera's header turned the game after an early concession, using wing overloads.[55] |
| 15 | 21 Dec 2002 | Málaga | Away | 3–2 | Gritty road victory; Trailing at halftime, Zidane and Ronaldo's second-half goals sealed it through resilient pressing.[55] |
| 16 | 5 Jan 2003 | Valencia | Home | 4–1 | Dominant performance; Figo and Ronaldo scored twice each, dismantling Valencia's defense with intricate passing.[55] |
| 17 | 11 Jan 2003 | Celta Vigo | Away | 1–0 | Narrow away success; Raúl's 72nd-minute strike from a Zidane assist clinched it in a low-possession, counter-focused game.[55] |
| 18 | 19 Jan 2003 | Atlético Madrid | Home | 2–2 | Fiery Madrid derby draw; Early goals from Ronaldo and Saviola exchanged, with tensions boiling over in midfield skirmishes.[55] |
| 19 | 26 Jan 2003 | Athletic Bilbao | Away | 1–1 | Hard-fought point; Figo's equalizer canceled out Athletic's lead, relying on Roberto Carlos' long throws for threats.[55] |
| 20 | 2 Feb 2003 | Espanyol | Away | 2–2 | Entertaining draw; Zidane and Raúl responded to Espanyol's opener and second, with fluid attacking play evident.[55] |
| 21 | 8 Feb 2003 | Betis | Home | 4–1 | Comfortable home win; Ronaldo's double and assists from Zidane highlighted Betis' defensive frailties.[55] |
| 22 | 16 Feb 2003 | Osasuna | Away | 0–1 | Tense minimalism; Helguera's header from a corner proved decisive in a physically demanding encounter.[55] |
| 23 | 22 Feb 2003 | Valladolid | Home | 3–1 | Routine victory; Raúl and Portillo's goals, plus a Zidane assist, controlled the game from the outset.[55] |
| 24 | 1 Mar 2003 | Alavés | Away | 5–1 | Emphatic away demolition; Ronaldo's hat-trick led the charge, with Figo and Guti adding to a clinical display.[55] |
| 25 | 8 Mar 2003 | Racing Santander | Home | 4–1 | Attacking masterclass; Multiple scorers, including Zidane's sublime assist to Ronaldo, overwhelmed the visitors.[55] |
| 26 | 15 Mar 2003 | Villarreal | Away | 1–0 | Efficient road win; Figo's 68th-minute curler from outside the box secured three points in a cautious affair.[55] |
| 27 | 23 Mar 2003 | Deportivo La Coruña | Home | 2–0 | Key win over rivals; Ronaldo and Raúl struck early, with Del Bosque's tactics stifling Deportivo's counters.[55] |
| 28 | 5 Apr 2003 | Rayo Vallecano | Home | 3–1 | Solid home effort; Helguera and Figo's goals reversed an early deficit through midfield dominance.[55] |
| 29 | 13 Apr 2003 | Real Sociedad | Away | 2–4 | Shock loss in title race; Sociedad's pace exposed Real's defense, with Nihat's brace proving costly despite Ronaldo's reply.[55] |
| 30 | 19 Apr 2003 | Barcelona | Home | 1–1 | Intense Clasico draw; Saviola's opener met by Raúl's equalizer, with Zidane's creativity nearly turning the tide.[55] |
| 31 | 27 Apr 2003 | Sevilla | Away | 3–1 | Convincing away win; Ronaldo's brace and Morientes' finish capitalized on Sevilla's errors in transition.[55] |
| 32 | 3 May 2003 | Mallorca | Home | 1–5 | Dominant home thrashing; Figo and Ronaldo each scored twice, exploiting wide areas relentlessly.[55] |
| 33 | 10 May 2003 | Recreativo | Away | 0–0 | Cautious draw; Real controlled possession but lacked penetration, settling for a point to preserve energy.[55] |
| 34 | 18 May 2003 | Málaga | Home | 5–1 | High-octane home win; Zidane's assist to Ronaldo's hat-trick highlighted the Galácticos' firepower.[55] |
| 35 | 24 May 2003 | Valencia | Away | 2–1 | Crucial road victory; Late goals from Raúl and substitute Portillo overtook Valencia in a tactical battle.[55] |
| 36 | 31 May 2003 | Celta Vigo | Home | 1–1 | Unexpected slip; Guti's opener canceled out late, as fatigue affected Real's pressing.[55] |
| 37 | 15 Jun 2003 | Atlético Madrid | Away | 4–0 | Derby rout; Ronaldo's double and Figo's strikes humiliated rivals, with Roberto Carlos' crosses key.[55] |
| 38 | 22 Jun 2003 | Athletic Bilbao | Home | 3–1 | Title-clinching triumph; Ronaldo's brace (22', 62') and Roberto Carlos' free-kick (45+3') sealed the league amid euphoric scenes.[18][58] |
Copa del Rey
Tournament path
As the reigning La Liga champions from the previous season, Real Madrid entered the 2002–03 Copa del Rey in the round of 64, where top-tier teams faced lower-division opponents in single-leg knockout matches hosted by the latter. Their campaign began on 11 September 2002 with a dominant 8–1 away victory over UD San Sebastián de los Reyes, a Segunda División B side, showcasing their attacking depth early in the season. Advancing to the round of 32, Real Madrid secured another comfortable single-leg win, defeating Segunda División club Real Oviedo 4–0 away on 6 November 2002, with goals from substitutes and fringe players highlighting squad rotation amid a congested fixture schedule.[59] The competition shifted to two-legged ties from the round of 16 onward. Real Madrid faced Segunda División's Terrassa FC, drawing 3–3 in the first leg away on 8 January 2003 before prevailing 4–2 at home on 14 January 2003 to progress 7–5 on aggregate, though the high-scoring encounters exposed defensive vulnerabilities. Their run ended in the quarter-finals against RCD Mallorca. After a 1–1 home draw on 23 January 2003, Real Madrid suffered a 4–0 away defeat on 29 January 2003, resulting in a 1–5 aggregate elimination—an upset that underscored the impact of heavy rotation and fatigue from concurrent UEFA Champions League commitments, as key players like Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo were rested or limited.[60]Key matches
Real Madrid entered the quarterfinals of the 2002–03 Copa del Rey after progressing through earlier rounds, but their campaign ended in a shocking elimination against RCD Mallorca. The tie consisted of two legs, with the first played at the Santiago Bernabéu on 23 January 2003. In the first leg, Real Madrid hosted Mallorca in a closely contested match that ended 1–1. Javier Portillo gave the hosts an early lead in the 8th minute with a header assisted by Raúl Bravo, capitalizing on a cross from the left. Mallorca responded in the 57th minute through Miguel Ángel Nadal's right-footed shot, leveling the score and keeping the aggregate tie balanced heading into the return fixture. The game showcased a defensive solidity from both sides, with Real Madrid's midfield, including Claude Makélélé and Luís Figo, controlling possession but struggling to create clear chances beyond the opener.[61] The second leg on 29 January 2003 at Son Moix Stadium proved disastrous for Real Madrid, resulting in a 4–0 defeat and a 5–1 aggregate loss. Mallorca struck first in the 7th minute via Fernando Niño, who headed in from a set piece. Samuel Eto'o then doubled the lead in the 30th minute with a clinical finish, followed by his second five minutes later in the 35th minute, exploiting gaps in Real Madrid's backline. Walter Pandiani sealed the rout in the 65th minute, tapping in after another swift transition. Notably, Zinedine Zidane started but was substituted at halftime for Santiago Solari amid Real Madrid's disjointed performance, highlighting early tactical adjustments by manager Vicente del Bosque. No red cards were issued, but the match underscored Mallorca's clinical finishing on the break.[62] Tactically, Real Madrid's elimination stemmed from an over-reliance on reserve players in the second leg, such as goalkeeper Carlos Sánchez and defender Rubén González, which disrupted cohesion against Mallorca's high-tempo pressing. Mallorca's counter-attacks, led by Eto'o and Diego Ibagaza, repeatedly exploited Real Madrid's leaky defense, turning defensive recoveries into rapid scoring opportunities and exposing vulnerabilities in the visitors' high defensive line. This upset propelled Mallorca to the semifinals, where they eventually won the competition.[60]UEFA Champions League
First group stage
Real Madrid were drawn into Group C of the first group stage of the 2002–03 UEFA Champions League, alongside AS Roma, AEK Athens, and KRC Genk. As defending champions, they entered the competition seeking to advance to the second group stage, with matches played between September and November 2002 under the round-robin format where each team faced the others home and away.[4] The squad, managed by Vicente del Bosque, featured stars like Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, Raúl, and Luís Figo, relying on their attacking prowess to navigate the group.[63] Real Madrid began their campaign with a convincing 3–0 away victory over Roma on 17 September 2002 at the Stadio Olimpico, where Guti opened the scoring in the 41st minute with a right-footed shot assisted by Raúl, followed by Raúl's left-footed finish in the 56th minute and Guti's second goal in the 75th minute.[64] Eight days later, on 25 September, they hosted Genk at the Santiago Bernabéu and delivered a dominant 6–0 thrashing, highlighted by an own goal from Didier Zokora in the 44th minute, Míchel Salgado's left-footed strike a minute later, Figo's penalty in the 55th minute, Guti's goal in the 64th minute, Albert Celades in the 74th minute, and Raúl's header in the 76th minute.[65] These results positioned them atop the group early, showcasing their offensive depth with 9 goals in two matches.[66] The campaign saw challenges in subsequent fixtures. On 2 October, Real Madrid traveled to Athens and drew 3–3 with AEK, falling behind to Vassilios Tsiartas's free-kick in the 6th minute, with Zidane equalizing in the 16th minute, before Christos Maladenis's header made it 2–1 in the 18th minute; John Carew and Rubén de la Red then put them ahead in the 58th and 61st minutes, only for Edgaras Jankauskas to level in the 81st minute.[67] Returning home on 22 October, they again drew 2–2 with AEK, leading 2–0 through Steve McManaman's brace (1st and 43rd minutes, the second assisted by Ronaldo) before Grigorios Katsouranis and Mauricio Centeno scored for the visitors in the 64th and 88th minutes.[68] A rare home defeat followed on 30 October against Roma, losing 0–1 to Francesco Totti's 26th-minute strike, despite Real Madrid's possession dominance.[69] The group concluded with a 1–1 draw away to Genk on 12 November, where Tote scored for Real Madrid in the 30th minute via a tap-in assisted by Francisco Pavón, matched by Wesley Sonck's header for the hosts.[70] Overall, Real Madrid recorded 2 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss across their 6 matches, scoring 15 goals and conceding 7, accumulating 9 points to top Group C on goal difference ahead of Roma (also 9 points). Source: UEFA Champions League 2002/03 group stage standings.Second group stage
In the second group stage of the 2002–03 UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid were drawn into Group D with AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, and Lokomotiv Moscow.[71] The stage ran from 26 November 2002 to 19 March 2003, with each team playing home and away matches against the others.[4] Real Madrid's campaign began with a challenging 0–1 away loss to AC Milan on 26 November 2002, where Andriy Shevchenko scored the decisive goal in the 40th minute with a right-footed shot assisted by Rui Costa.[72] Five days later, on 11 December 2002, they hosted Lokomotiv Moscow and led 1–0 at halftime through Raúl's 21st-minute goal, assisted by Ronaldo, but the match ended in a 2–2 draw after goals from Emmanuel Obiorah (47') and Igor Maminov (69') for the Russians, with Guti equalizing in the 82nd minute.[73] Resuming after the winter break, Real Madrid earned a vital 2–1 home win over Borussia Dortmund on 19 February 2003, as Raúl leveled in the 43rd minute before Ronaldo sealed the victory in the 56th. Jan Koller had given Dortmund the lead in the 31st minute.[74] The reverse fixture away to Dortmund on 25 February 2003 finished 1–1, with Koller opening the scoring in the 23rd minute and Javier Portillo rescuing a point for Real Madrid with a 90+2-minute equalizer.[75] Momentum shifted decisively in the 3–1 home triumph against AC Milan on 12 March 2003, where Raúl scored twice (12th and 56th minutes, assisted by Ronaldo and Luís Figo respectively) and Guti added a third in the 85th; Rivaldo pulled one back for Milan in the 81st.[76] The group concluded with a 1–0 away victory over Lokomotiv Moscow on 18 March 2003, Ronaldo netting the lone goal in the 35th minute to secure progression.[77] Real Madrid's record of three wins, two draws, and one defeat yielded 11 points, 9 goals scored, and 6 conceded.[78] This placed them second in the group, advancing to the knockout phase alongside group winners AC Milan.[79]| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AC Milan | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 4 | +1 | 12 |
| 2 | Real Madrid | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 6 | +3 | 11 |
| 3 | Borussia Dortmund | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 5 | +3 | 10 |
| 4 | Lokomotiv Moscow | 6 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 10 | −7 | 1 |
Knockout phase
Real Madrid entered the knockout phase of the 2002–03 UEFA Champions League as defending champions, having advanced from the second group stage, where they finished second in Group D behind AC Milan. The quarter-finals pitted them against Manchester United in a highly anticipated clash between two European powerhouses. The first leg took place on 8 April 2003 at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, where Real Madrid secured a 3–1 victory. Ronaldo scored a hat-trick for the hosts, with goals in the 12th, 50th, and 60th minutes, while Ruud van Nistelrooy netted Manchester United's consolation in the 52nd minute. This performance showcased Ronaldo's clinical finishing and gave Real Madrid a vital advantage heading into the return leg.[81][82] The second leg on 23 April 2003 at Old Trafford was a thriller, with Manchester United winning 4–3 in a match remembered for its end-to-end action and dramatic moments. David Beckham opened the scoring with a free-kick in the 7th minute, followed by van Nistelrooy's goals in the 14th and 81st minutes (the latter a penalty). Ole Gunnar Solskjær added a fourth in the 88th minute. Ronaldo pulled one back for Real Madrid in the 50th minute, Iván Helguera scored in the 80th, and Guti netted a late consolation in stoppage time. Despite the loss, Real Madrid advanced on aggregate by 6–5, progressing to the semi-finals amid controversy over a disallowed goal by Diego Forlán for Manchester United.[83][84][85] In the semi-finals, Real Madrid faced Juventus, setting up a rematch of the 1998 final. The first leg on 6 May 2003 at the Santiago Bernabéu ended 2–1 in Real Madrid's favor. Roberto Carlos scored a controversial long-range goal in the 11th minute, ruled valid despite protests over the ball crossing the line after hitting the post, and Ronaldo added a second in the 55th minute. David Trezeguet replied for Juventus in the 35th minute, keeping the tie alive.[86][87] The second leg on 14 May 2003 at the Stadio Delle Alpi saw Juventus overturn the deficit with a 3–1 win, advancing 4–3 on aggregate. Trezeguet opened the scoring in the 12th minute, Alessandro Del Piero doubled the lead in the 42nd, and Pavel Nedvěd sealed the victory with a stunning 30-yard strike in the 82nd minute. Zinedine Zidane pulled one back for Real Madrid in the 89th minute with a header, but it proved insufficient as Juventus progressed to the final. The match highlighted defensive vulnerabilities for Real Madrid and Nedvěd's pivotal role, earning him the Man of the Match award.[88][89][90]International trophies
UEFA Super Cup
The 2002 UEFA Super Cup served as the season opener for Real Madrid, pitting the 2001–02 UEFA Champions League winners against Feyenoord, the 2002 UEFA Cup champions, in a single-match showdown to determine Europe's super cup holder.[91] This was Real Madrid's third appearance in the competition and their first victory after previous losses in 1998 and 2000.[91] The match took place on 30 August 2002 at the Stade Louis II in Monaco, just days before the start of the 2002–03 La Liga campaign, allowing manager Vicente del Bosque to integrate new signing Esteban Cambiasso into the squad alongside stars like Zinédine Zidane and Luís Figo.[92][12] Real Madrid dominated the first half, taking a 2–0 lead within the opening 21 minutes. The scoring began in the 15th minute when Feyenoord goalkeeper Patrick Paauwe deflected a Roberto Carlos cross into his own net following a precise through ball from Cambiasso.[91] Six minutes later, Roberto Carlos extended the advantage with a curled right-footed shot from the edge of the box, capitalizing on a fluid move involving Míchel Salgado and Cambiasso down the left flank.[92] Feyenoord responded in the 56th minute through Pierre van Hooijdonk's powerful free-kick that beat Iker Casillas, injecting tension into the contest as the Dutch side mounted a brief resurgence.[93] However, Real Madrid restored their two-goal cushion in the 60th minute when Guti headed in a [Luís Figo](/page/Luís_Fig o) cross at the far post, securing a 3–1 victory and marking the club's first UEFA Super Cup triumph.[91] Tactically, Real Madrid's high-tempo play and exploitation of the left wing overwhelmed Feyenoord's defense early on, with Cambiasso's debut performance pivotal in dictating midfield control and creating chances.[92] Feyenoord's late push showed resilience but lacked the cohesion to unsettle Madrid's backline, allowing the Spanish side to manage the game comfortably after Guti's goal.[91] This pre-season success provided momentum heading into La Liga, where Real Madrid aimed to defend their domestic title.[94]Intercontinental Cup
As winners of the 2001–02 UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid qualified for the 2002 Intercontinental Cup, facing Olimpia of Paraguay, champions of the 2002 Copa Libertadores. The match was held on 3 December 2002 at the International Stadium Yokohama in Japan, drawing a crowd of 66,070 spectators.[95] This fixture marked Real Madrid's third appearance in the competition, coming mid-season after the completion of the UEFA Champions League first group stage, during which manager Vicente del Bosque rotated the squad to manage fatigue from the demanding schedule.[8] Real Madrid started with a lineup featuring Iker Casillas in goal, defended by Míchel Salgado, Fernando Hierro, Iván Helguera, and Roberto Carlos, while midfield included Guti, Flávio Conceição, and Santiago Solari, with Steve McManaman, Fernando Morientes, and Ronaldo up front; key stars like Zinedine Zidane, Luís Figo, and Raúl were named on the bench.[95] Olimpia adopted a defensive 4-4-2 formation, aiming to frustrate the European champions. In the 14th minute, Ronaldo opened the scoring with a clinical right-footed finish from inside the penalty area, assisted by a precise pass from Roberto Carlos, giving Real Madrid an early lead.[8][96] Olimpia mounted a resilient response in the second half, holding firm against Real Madrid's possession dominance and creating occasional threats on the counter, but the Paraguayans could not equalize. The resistance was broken in the 84th minute when Guti headed in the second goal from a Luís Figo cross, securing a 2–0 victory and Real Madrid's third Intercontinental Cup title.[95][97] The win underscored the squad's depth, with substitutes including Zidane, Figo, and Raúl contributing to the late push.[8]Statistics
Player appearances and goals
During the 2002–03 season, Real Madrid CF utilized a squad of 25 players across 62 competitive matches, with appearances varying significantly due to the team's depth and injury concerns. Iker Casillas was the most utilized player, featuring in 54 games primarily as the first-choice goalkeeper, while Raúl González led the squad in overall participation among outfield players with 46 appearances.[98] Injuries notably impacted veterans like Fernando Hierro, who was restricted to 28 appearances after suffering a hamstring issue in October 2002, limiting his defensive leadership role. The following table summarizes key player statistics, including total appearances, minutes played, and goals across all competitions (La Liga: 38 matches; UEFA Champions League: 16 matches; UEFA Super Cup: 1 match; Intercontinental Cup: 1 match; Copa del Rey: 6 matches). Data focuses on players with at least 10 appearances for conciseness, with assists included where reliably tracked; full squad details reflect the Galácticos era's emphasis on high-profile talents like Ronaldo and Zidane.[98]| Player | Position | Total Apps (Mins) | Total Goals (Assists) | La Liga Apps/Goals | UCL Apps/Goals | Other Apps/Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iker Casillas | Goalkeeper | 54 (4,860) | 0 (0) | 37/0 | 13/0 | 4/0 |
| Roberto Carlos | Left-Back | 55 (4,806) | 5 (9) | 34/4 | 12/1 | 9/0 |
| Raúl González | Second Striker | 46 (3,953) | 25 (10) | 37/16 | 11/8 | /1 |
| Luís Figo | Right Winger | 51 (4,151) | 11 (14) | 35/9 | 12/2 | 4/0 |
| Zinedine Zidane | Attacking Midfield | 49 (4,024) | 12 (13) | 33/9 | 11/3 | 5/0 |
| Iván Helguera | Centre-Back | 52 (4,391) | 3 (1) | 33/2 | 12/1 | 7/0 |
| Ronaldo | Centre-Forward | 44 (3,402) | 31 (7) | 31/23 | 11/7 | 2/1 |
| Claude Makélélé | Defensive Midfield | 43 (3,528) | 0 (1) | 26/0 | 8/0 | 9/0 |
| Santiago Solari | Left Winger | 50 (2,486) | 1 (3) | 15/1 | 4/0 | 31/0 |
| Guti | Attacking Midfield | 54 (2,877) | 5 (4) | 20/4 | 7/1 | 27/0 |
| Fernando Hierro | Centre-Back | 28 (2,286) | 1 (0) | 20/1 | 7/0 | 1/0 |
| Míchel Salgado | Right-Back | 53 (4,455) | 1 (2) | 27/1 | 9/0 | 17/0 |
| Fernando Morientes | Centre-Forward | 47 (2,878) | 3 (1) | 10/2 | 4/1 | 33/0 |
Top goalscorers
The top goalscorer for Real Madrid in the 2002–03 season was Ronaldo Nazário, who netted 31 goals across all competitions in 44 appearances.[99] His haul included 23 goals in La Liga, 7 in the UEFA Champions League, and 1 in the Intercontinental Cup.[100][95] Ronaldo's prolific form was highlighted by two hat-tricks: one in a 3–0 La Liga win against Deportivo Alavés on 1 March 2003, and another in a 4–3 UEFA Champions League quarter-final second-leg defeat to Manchester United on 8 April 2003. Raúl González finished second with 25 goals in 46 appearances, comprising 16 in La Liga and 8 in the UEFA Champions League, with 1 in Copa del Rey. Zinedine Zidane ranked third with 12 goals in 49 appearances, including 9 in La Liga and 3 in the UEFA Champions League.[101] Real Madrid's overall goal output stood at 107 in La Liga (where Ronaldo led with 23) and 27 in the UEFA Champions League (where Raúl topped with 9).[1][102] Players scored in the Copa del Rey campaign (total 20 goals), while the Intercontinental Cup contributed 2 goals total (Ronaldo and Guti). No goals from Ronaldo in Super Cup.[103]| Rank | Player | Total Goals | La Liga | UCL | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ronaldo Nazário | 31 | 23 | 7 | 1 (Intercontinental) |
| 2 | Raúl González | 25 | 16 | 8 | 1 (Copa del Rey) |
| 3 | Zinedine Zidane | 12 | 9 | 3 | 0 |
| 4 | Luís Figo | 11 | 7 | 3 | 1 (Super Cup) |
| 5 | Guti | 10 | 6 | 2 | 2 (Super Cup, Intercontinental) |