BOURNEMOUTH has never seen anything quite like it.

Many of the thousands of fans were left pinching themselves in disbelief.

There was always little nagging doubt in some minds. Was it really going to happen? Something that would have been unthinkable – or at least unimaginable just a few weeks ago.

Then the visiting team coach pulled up outside the Goldsands Stadium last night and yes, it really was them – Ronaldo, Kaka, Zidane, Ozil and the rest.

Real Madrid had arrived – and they fielded a strong team from the start of the game, including Ronaldo and Ozil Many got to the stadium hours before the game to get a glimpse of the Whites making their entrance. Among them was Lee Wildish, 43, with his sons Nathan, 13, and Jamie, 10, from Poole.

“It’s brilliant to be here, it has been a bit of a long wait,” he said.

“I had a dream last night that we won 1-0 but I’m not sure if that’s going to be the case.

“Hopefully as it’s an exhibition game they won’t take it too seriously. “It’s great to have them here and good news for the club.”

All our pictures from the game

Also there early to see Madrid’s arrival was Rory Harrington, 35, from Christchurch, with a group of fellow season ticket holders.

“It’s not something you see down here every day, we are all very excited,” he said.

“We’re not fussed about the score, it’s just a great day for the club.”

Meanwhile Rachel Clark, 43, and Sharon Simpson, 41, both from Bournemouth, brought along youngsters George, Archie, Herbie, Marie, Jake and Ryan to see the game.

Rachel said: “It has been a long day waiting, but how often do you get this opportunity?

“It’s not a game we ever expected to see.”

Hours earlier fans had made the trip to Bournemouth Airport to watch the superstars touch-down in Dorset.

Do you have great pictures or video from the game? Let us know by using the green "Send Your News" button at the top of the page!