My Greatest 11 - The Blog — Debut
Arsene Wenger's First Arsenal Game: Blackburn Rovers 0-2 Arsenal (12th October 1996)
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The 12th of October 1996 marked the dawn of a new era for Arsenal Football Club as Arsène Wenger took charge of his first game as manager. The Frenchman, relatively unknown in English football at the time, quickly demonstrated the impact he would go on to have, guiding the Gunners to a 2-0 away victory against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.
Jonathan Woodgate's Unforgettable Real Madrid Debut – A Night to Forget (22/09/05)
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September 22, 2005, was a highly anticipated night for Jonathan Woodgate. After a year on the sidelines due to injury, he was finally set to make his Real Madrid debut against Athletic Club. Signed from Newcastle United in the summer of 2004 for €13.4 million, Woodgate had a stellar reputation as one of the best defenders in England. However, his debut for Los Blancos turned into one of the most infamous in football history, featuring an own goal and a red card in a 3-1 win at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten’s AC Milan Debut – A New Era Begins Under Arrigo Sacchi
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September 13th, 1987, marked the dawn of a revolutionary chapter in football, as AC Milan took on Pisa in the opening match of the 1987/88 Serie A season. It wasn’t just any regular season opener. This game signified the start of Arrigo Sacchi’s reign as Milan’s head coach, with the highly anticipated debut of Dutch superstars Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten. What unfolded that day was a glimpse into what would become one of the most dominant teams in football history.
Iker Casillas' Real Madrid Debut – A Star is Born on 12th September 1999
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September 12th, 1999. It’s a date that lives in the hearts of Real Madrid fans, the day a young, fearless Iker Casillas first donned the famous white jersey of "Los Blancos" in a La Liga match. The stage was San Mamés, home of Athletic Club—a fortress known for its passionate crowd and tough, no-nonsense football. That evening, an 18-year-old boy from Móstoles, fresh from Real Madrid’s youth academy, made his debut. This moment marked the beginning of a legendary career for one of football’s greatest goalkeepers.