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Real deal Beckham gives Capello a lift
Last updated at 23:52pm on 20.02.07
Real Madrid 3 Bayern Munich 2
Fabio Capello had David Beckham to thank for supplying the goals which gave the under-fire Real coach a vital win. Capello kept Beckham on the right and recalled Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain, 19, signed from River Plate last month to partner Ruud van Nistelrooy.
It was the old Manchester United one-two that unlocked Bayern's defence on 10 minutes.
Beckham found Van Nistelrooy and his slide-rule pass sent Raul clear. The club captain's first shot was blocked but he scored from the rebound.
On 24 minutes, Bayern were level when keeper Iker Casillas failed to come for Willy Sagnol's floated free-kick and Brazilian Lucio looped a header back over his head to equalise.
But Madrid responded in style and on both occasions, Beckham's delivery was the key. After 28 minutes his corner was headed towards goal by defender Ivan Helguera with Raul helping the ball across the line and on 34, Van Nistelrooy scored from a Beckham free-kick.
But former Barcelona star Mark van Bommel pulled back a priceless away goal for Bayern in 88 minutes.
Reader views (1)
Beckham has bounced back with glory. The coach will always need to guide and aspire the players rather than leave them on the bench. Becks proves to be worth every cents of Madrid penny.
- Haizad, Sepang, Malaysia, 22/02/2007 05:39
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