UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Defiant Del Bosque not worried

Vincente del Bosque dismissed talk of a crisis as Real Madrid CF lost but limped into the next stage.

Real Madrid CF coach Vincente del Bosque played down any talk of a crisis at the Santiago Bernabéu after his side were beaten at home but still limped into the second group stage.

'No crisis'
We certainly aren't as badly off as our recent results may suggest and any talk of a crisis is a massive exaggeration," he said after the 1-0 loss at the hands of AS Roma. "A crisis is what [FC] Bayern [München] are facing after being knocked out of European competition."

No win in three
Del Bosque said his side, who have now failed to win in their last three UEFA Champions League games, were up against a resilient defence but still had chances. "We can't be satisfied with the result," he added. "But on the other hand we have qualified and that is something that Roma have yet to do."

AEK threat
AEK Athens can still qualify at Roma's expense if they win at the Stadio Olimpico on Matchday Six in a fortnight. Madrid finish up with a game in Belgium against the eliminated KRC Genk and victory then would see the defending champions top Group C.

'Good shape'
Key to that will be the form of Brazilian striker Ronaldo, who worked hard but failed to find the net this evening. "He is in good shape now but we have to be patient and wait for him to reach full fitness," Del Bosque said.

Fitness the key
For Roma coach Fabio Capello, his side are now playing to the standard he expects. He said the opening day 3-0 defeat by Madrid was due in part to the late start of the Italian domestic season. "We lost in the first match because Real Madrid were physically better but today we have shown that if we are fit we can compete at the same level," he said.

'Very happy'
Capello added: "The match tonight was very good. I have to highlight the personality of my team. I am very happy to win here. We have won convincingly. " It was a historic victory too, with Francesco Totti's solitary strike ensuring the first win for an Italian team at the Bernabéu since 1967, when Internazionale FC were 2-0 winners.

Special praise
There was particular praise for Marco Delvecchio, who formed part of an adventurous lineup that also featured Totti and Vincenzo Montella. Special mention also went to Brazilian veteran Aldair who marshalled a solid defence that dealt with everything Madrid could muster. "We played a very good game and had lots of scoring opportunities, but we didn't quite manage to finish them off," Capello added. "But what pleased me most of all was the fact that we played with great character."

Another test
That resolve will need to show itself in the Italian capital in two weeks when AEK come calling. With a place in the second group stage up for grabs, it promises to be another stern test of Capello's charges. 

Selected for you