European giants break MCG football record

Friday was a landmark night for not only Australia football but for European giants Real Madrid and Manchester City too, after the world's biggest club and the world's richest club combined to bring 99,382 to the MCG.

The MCG rocks to Manchester City v Real Madrid. (Getty) Source: Getty Images Asia Pacific

A 4-1 win to Real Madrid, including a Cristiano Ronaldo goal and trademark celebration, over Manchester City sent paying punters home happy.

In a landmark year for the MCG, the stunning turnout was its top attendance.

The two giants of world football brought more people to the ground than the Cricket World Cup Final, rugby league's State of Origin and the Anzac Day AFL match.

While it is likely to be overtaken by the AFL grand final on 3 October, the spectacular turnout wasn't lost on the participants.

Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez said he was proud of his team for performing well given the big stage.

"I am very satisfied with the number of people that showed up today and it was a great match for them to see," he said.

"So many people, great players, and it's been a fantastic show."

Benitez too enjoyed his first success as Madrid manager, given his appointment last month.

After a dour 0-0 draw in his first match in charge against Roma, Benitez also witnessed the first goals of his reign as Madrid manager.

The Spaniard said he was "very pleased to see the team play well and win a trophy".

"The players are training double sessions and doing so well, you can see the commitment," he said.

"It is important to win, and to play well, it's a positive thing for the future."

The crowd was a record for a football-only event at the MCG, overtaking the 95,446 in attendance for Melbourne Victory's match with Liverpool two years ago.

It was also the biggest crowd that Manchester City has played in front of since the 1981 FA Cup Final, held at Wembley with an estimated crowd of 100,000.

MAJOR MCG CROWDS IN 2015

99,382 - Real Madrid v Manchester City, International Champions Cup

93,013 - Australia v New Zealand, Cricket World Cup Final

91,513 - New South Wales v Queensland, NRL State of Origin

88,395 - Collingwood v Essendon, AFL Anzac Day match