American soccer came crashing back down to earth after Real Madrid and Barcelona recorded comprehensive victories over mediocre-looking MLS opposition this weekend. Madrid comfortably took down Real Salt Lake 2-0 in Salt Lake City on Friday before FC Barcelona dismantled the New York Red Bulls 4-1 in Bruce Arena’s first game in charge. Yet more evidence was on hand of soccer’s potential as a spectator sport in the U.S. as the Red Bulls played in front of 80,000 fans at Giants Stadium. The club’s average attendance, meanwhile, is just under 15,700 fans at the same stadium. “It’s great for us,” said Tony Meola, the Red Bulls’ keeper. “Now we know that there’s at least 79,000 fans in this area.” The huge crowd was also a reminder of the New York-area team’s failure to provide Major League Soccer with a premier franchise in the country’s biggest market. As many had hoped, FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldinho stole the show, scoring two goals in a World Cup-like atmosphere that included chanting, banners, beating drums and nonstop flashbulbs. Argentine phenoms Leo Messi and Javier Saviola added the other goals. A smiling Ronaldinho, who received a standing ovation when he was subbed in the 76th minute, expressed surprise at the reception he received during the U.S. tour. “Everyone said that the U.S. never liked soccer,” Ronaldinho said through an interpreter. “Everyone treated me well, treated me great; always in front of a full crowd. It was a great surprise for us.”