HONG KONG: Brazilian soccer star Ronaldo narrowly missed scoring a hat-trick while some assistance from mainland players helped the hosts to save face as Spanish soccer giant Real Madrid beat Hong Kong 4-2 yesterday in an exhibition match.

Playing under floodlights before a sellout crowd of 40,000 at Hong Kong Stadium, Madrid took the lead in the 6th minute from a penalty by Luis Figo after Roberto Carlos was tripped in the box.

Ronaldo scored the second goal of the game in the 12th minute when his shot deflected off the post and rolled into the net.

The Hong Kong team, which included six players from the Chinese mainland, struck back against the run of play in the 25th minute when Real Madrid's goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, was beaten by a powerful header from Chinese international Wang Peng.

It was the first time Real Madrid conceded a goal on its preseason Asian tour.

England captain David Beckham contributed to Ronaldo's second goal in the 33rd minute. Beckham's trademark long pass found the Brazilian, who slammed the ball into the net from 15 yards out.

Madrid's captain Raul Gonzalez made it 4-1 for the visitors one minute later when he scooped the ball past Hong Kong's goalkeeper An Qi.

Li Yao, also from the mainland, scored for the hosts just before the break when he picked up a cross in front of the Spanish goal and tapped it in.

Real Madrid dominated the match in the second half but failed to score any more goals.

Beckham, who joined Real Madrid two months ago on a US$40 million transfer from Manchester United, was substituted in the 75th minute.

Frenchman Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo - who hit the crossbar and had two further strikes saved in the second half - impressed the spectators with their breathtaking footwork.

It cost about HK$37 million (US$4.7 million) to bring Real Madrid to Hong Kong for the exhibition match, organizers said.

The tourists leave today for Bangkok, where they will play the Thai national team in a celebration of Queen Sirikit's birthday.

Agencies via Xinhua

(HK Edition 08/09/2003 page1)