Real, Murcia play quake benefit

Real Madrid drew 2-2 on Wednesday with a team of players from the Murcia region in a benefit match for victims of last week's earthquake in southeastern Spain.

Some 32,000 people packed Real Murcia's Nueva Condomina stadium for the match, the club said on its website.

French striker Karim Benzema and Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo scored for Real. The Murcia team benefited from an own goal from Pepe as well as one from Meca.

Proceeds from the match went to victims of the May 11 earthquake that struck the Murcia town of Lora, killing nine people in the injuring at least 100 and leaving thousands homeless.

"This kind of gesture during hard times can cheer people up and bring them hope," Real's Xabi Alonso said after the match.

"We lend our support by playing football, which is the best way we know how. With this little bit of help and the vitality and enthusiasm of this city, they will overcome this. This was a nice, entertaining match and we all had fun playing."

The Real players earlier Wednesday visited the worst hit district of Lorca to offer their support.