Last night, DC United and Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid played their way to a 1-1 draw. Arguably the most successful soccer club in the world, Real Madrid boasts a roster filled to the brim with world-class stars. But for all the mystique surrounding Madrid and its galácticos, United did not seem star-struck. Playing a spirited, competative, and technically sound brand of soccer, they stood up to Madrid and took home a result.

Though the match was announced less than three weeks ago, a massive crowd of 66,830 packed into Seattle’s Qwest Field (United tried to schedule the game in its home market, but RFK was booked for the Nationals). The teams did not take long to get the crowd on its feet, as both clubs scored first-half goals. Though DC displayed superior fitness and organization in the opening minutes, Real struck first when Raúl possessed the ball in the midfield and hit Antonio Cassano with a remarkable through ball. With defender Bryan Namoff a step off of the Italian’s pace, Cassano cut to the inside and blasted the ball past GK Troy Perkins and into the back of the net.