Lineker Scores Four In Spain

Just a few weeks after scoring a hat-trick for Barcelona against Real Madrid, Gary Lineker went to the Bernabéu and hit four for England. At the time, England were flying high in their European Championship qualifying group. Spain however had not lost at home for three years. The result was one of England’s greatest away day triumphs. Those fans who braved the atrocious weather saw Lineker and England reign in Spain.

Spanish fans particularly those from Real Madrid would have been sick of the sight of Lineker. Fresh from scoring a hat-trick for Barcelona in their 3-2 win over Real Madrid at Camp Nou on January 31, Lineker went to the Santiago Bernabéu and scored four more for England against Spain.

Lineker Scores Four In Spain

England included Tony Adams for the first time in their team. Adams was just 20 at the time but had impressed during his short time in the Arsenal first team. Manager Bobby Robson said of Adams at the time. “The boy has everything. He is tall, quick, good in the air, reads the play well and, above all, seems to have great composure for a player of his age.”

Arsenal provided the bulk of the England defence – with Adams, Viv Anderson and Kenny Sansom joining Terry Butcher in the back four – while Tottenham gave the side midfield creativity in the form of Glenn Hoddle, Chris Waddle and Steve Hodge.

The only talking point before the game was who should partner Lineker up front in the starting line-up. Mark Hateley, Peter Beardsley and Clive Allen were all options. Despite his poor form for Newcastle, Peter Beardsley was given the nod and he was chosen to partner with Lineker.

The Vulture Strikes

England started brightly on a wet pitch at the Bernabéu. However, they were made to pay for their missed chances in the 14th minute by Emilio Butragueño. The Real Madrid striker evaded a challenge from Anderson and finished coolly to put Spain ahead. The goal showing why he was nicknamed El Buitre (the Vulture).

Unbelievably, Spain would be 4-1 down before the hour mark. Waddle, Hoddle and Beardsley despite the atrocious conditions glided around the pitch all night. As a result, England were rewarded for their endeavours when Lineker equalised after 24 minutes. A Robson strike crashed against the post. Andoni Zubizarreta saved Hoddle’s attempt from the rebound before the Tottenham man chipped to the far post for Lineker to head past his Barcelona teammate.

Lineker Runs Riot

Just four minutes later, Hoddle swung a free-kick into the box. Viv Anderson nodded it down and Lineker poked it in for his second. He completed his hat trick just a minute after the break. Heading in from close range after Zubizarreta had saved Beardsley’s original attempt. Beardsley was again involved in Lineker’s fourth goal. The little magician set up his strike partner with a lovely weighted pass. After 56 minutes, England were leading 4-1.

Spain narrowed the margin of defeat. Ramon Vazquez heading past Chris Woods. But it did not take the shine off of England’s night in Madrid. The display was the ideal present for Bobby Robson on his 54th birthday.

It wasn’t all good news for England. Sadly, three English fans were stabbed before the match and 18 were arrested on a night that was seen as another blow for English clubs and their re-admittance to European club competitions. But, for once, the headlines on the back pages seemed to overshadow the familiar news on the front. It was a night when England fans saw Lineker and England reign in Spain.