(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-11-20 15:14

MALAGA, Spain - AC Milan's Ronaldo and retired French international Zinedine Zidane returned to Spain for the first time since their playing days at Real Madrid to face each other in a star-studded United Nations charity match on Monday.

Ronaldo and Zidane are goodwill ambassadors for UNDP, a United Nations development program which organized the fifth Match Against Poverty. Zidane scored from a free kick and set up the other in the 2-2 draw before 33,000 fans at La Rosaleda.

It was Ronaldo's first match of the season, having injured his thigh during Milan's training camp.

But it was Zidane who stole the show early, mobbed by children _ and some young adults _ after they broke through security barriers before the start of the match, the former Madrid maestro's first on Spanish soil in a year and a half.

Zidane sent his free kick area into the defensive wall in the 11th minute, deflecting to beat diving FC Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes.

Ronaldo, who left Madrid in January, had his side's best chance in the opening half when he managed a shot from close range only for Peter Jehle to knock away with a reaction save.

Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher and golfer Sergio Garcia also were featured.

"I'm very happy. The fans have been fantastic," Ronaldo said after being replaced by Almeria's Alvaro Negredo in the 30th minute. "We're famous people. Fans follow us and listen to us. So we need to use this for a good cause."

Zidane reached a flick-on in the 44th only to hit the post, the rebound landing at Roque Junior's feet for an easy score.

"I'm very tired," joked Zidane after coming off in the 57th. "But for as long as I can, I will continue to play in this game."

Julios Dos Santos' header in the 61st cut the lead in half before Negredo equalized for Ronaldo's side four minutes later.

Schumacher, who had several chances, side-footed wide from close in the 82nd. Garcia, playing down the left wing, set up Sevilla striker Renato for two close chances in the final minutes.

Pierluigi Collina of Italy came out of retirement to referee the match for the second straight year.