The former Real Madrid player was in impressive touch as he hit two past Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper but could not stop Schalke from losing 2-4 in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Germany-c2904.
Schalke were undone by their lack of concentration in the final half-hour of their Europa League quarter-final first leg fixture against Athletic Bilbao. The Spanish side scored three goals in the last hour to virtually seal a semi-final berth.
The Basque entity got in front with Spanish international, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Fernando-Llorente-c13671, hitting the back of the net with a sublime header. However, it was one way traffic in favour of the German Bundesliga outfit, as Raul scored on either side of the half-time whistle.
The former Real Madrid striker equalized with a deft shot on the near post, and added to his tally with a sublime shot from outside the box.
Llorente was full of praise for the experienced campaigner and did not shy away from voicing his sentiments in the post match conference.
"That b*****d' http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Raul-c30652 just keeps on scoring, he's simply incredible," Llorente said to Marca.
Provided he remains physically fit, there is a possibility Raul might don La Roja jersey once again in the upcoming Euro 2012 being held in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ukraine-c3032.
Spanish national team coach, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vicente-c36001 Del Bosque, hinted at the possibility of such an occurrence in December last year, and was excited by his recent displays for Schalke.
"His displays do not put any pressure on me, they are a source of joy," Del Bosque told Europa Press.
"He represents Spanish football very well in Germany and he is playing at the same level as the great strikers in Europe."
"He is Spain's striker with the biggest credentials," the 61-year-old said as he continued to shower his former charge.
After scoring 323 competitive goals in 741 official matches for Real Madrid, Raul signed for Schalke 04 in the summer of 2010, as Jose Mourinho made his way into the Santiago Bernabeu.
Since then, the 102-time capped Spanish international has given endearing displays in his adopted Blue jersey. His first season with Schalke saw him score 19 times in 51 outings, and looks set to improve on his tally after hitting the net on 17 occasions
with 11 less appearances.
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