Real Madrid puts on show for Real Salt Lake fans

Real Salt Lake and Real Madrid share a name and little else.

The fans who filled the parking lot and a section of seats at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Friday weren't there to see the home team from Major League Soccer. They were there for Madrid, one of the most storied teams in professional sports.

"We want Beckham!" chanted fans who waited nearly an hour after Madrid finished practice, just for a distant glimpse at English superstar David Beckham.

Beckham, dropped from England's national team earlier Friday, ran drills and scrimmaged with his teammates. He signed a few autographs for fans who hung over the railing and dropped jerseys and balls for him to sign.

He didn't comment on England coach Steve McClaren's decision, saying he had to get to another autograph session.

Beckham played in the first half of a 1-1 tie against D.C. United on Wednesday night in Seattle. He is expected to put on another show for the Utah fans, who most likely will fill the University of Utah football stadium's 45,000 seats.

"I look forward to playing here. The people that were here today made a lot of noise, so I can imagine tomorrow when it's full it's going to be awesome," said Ruud van Nistelrooy, the latest superstar to join Madrid.

Van Nistelrooy came over in a trade with Manchester United last month and is preparing for his first season with an all-star lineup that already included Beckham, Ronaldo, Raul and Roberto Carlos.

Ronaldo, who is recovering from surgery to remove calcifications on his left leg, didn't make the trip. But the rest of "Los Galacticos" did and were welcomed like rock stars.

Italian standout Fabio Cannavaro was cheered exuberantly as he ran by the stands. Cannavaro, the captain of World Cup champion Italy, didn't participate in the scrimmage and still received another ovation as he walked off the newly installed sod with an ice pack on his thigh.

Madrid will be trying for its 30th league title this season, which opens this month. Real Salt Lake was named for the Spanish superpower before joining MLS last season and has faltered in its short existence.

Salt Lake (6-10-5) is tied for last place in the Western Conference and finished with the second-worst record in the league last season.

"I think everybody's excited for the opportunity — and that's what it is. It's an opportunity," Salt Lake striker Jason Kreis said. "It's a chance for us to experience playing a world-class team and enjoy it. That's what it should be about."

Kreis was part of an MLS all-star team that was overwhelmed by Madrid 5-0 last summer. Salt Lake is hoping for a better showing Saturday, although the home players may get less support than the visitors.

"I think most everybody is excited. The game doesn't have any consequence for us, but I think we can use it to serve us," Salt Lake midfielder Chris Klein said. "You don't get to a better exhibition than playing against Real Madrid."