Woodgate, Beckham inspire Real comeback win
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-10-20 09:03

Rosenborg coach still optimistic despite 4-1 Real defeat

MADRID, Oct 19 (Reuters) - Rosenborg coach Per Mathias Hoegmo said his team's first-half performance in their 4-1 defeat at Real Madrid had left him optimistic about their chances of a victory on home soil in two weeks' time.

The Norwegians produced an accomplished defensive display in the first half and silenced the Bernabeu when they took a shock lead five minutes before the break as Roar Strand finished off a lightning break with a fine finish at the far post.

But a header from Real centre back Jonathan Woodgate at the start of the second period sparked a Real Madrid recovery that ended in an emphatic win for the Primera Liga side.

Skipper Raul put Real in front four minutes later and Ivan Helguera and David Beckham added a goal each to secure a home win that kept them in touch with Group F leaders Olympique Lyon.

"I was pleased with the way we played in the first half," said Hoegmo. "But I knew that we would have to hang on in the first 15 minutes of the second half. We didn't do that and the game was effectively over after the third goal.

"Overall, though, I was pleased with the team and after seeing the way we played in the first half I think was have a good chance of taking three points when we play Real at home in the next match.

"We never felt totally defeated but we have to work on defending from free kicks."

Real coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo said his team had failed to click in the first half but responded well after the break.

"We knew that with the way we play there was always a chance that they might hit us on the break, but we were very slow to get back when they scored," said the Brazilian.

"I told the team at halftime that they had 45 minutes to change the game or we would have to be looking to qualify by winning our away matches and that would be a lot harder.

"They responded and in the second half we were better and showed a lot more quality in terms of our close control and our passes."