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Mixed feelings for Real's caretaker after Greek defeat
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-12-07 10:38
ATHENS, Dec 6 (Reuters) - Real Madrid caretaker coach Juan Ramon Lopez Caro
was disappointed and satisfied after a 2-1 defeat by Olympiakos Piraeus in the
Champions League on Tuesday.
"First of all, I have to say I'm disappointed because Real Madrid is an
ambitious club that always wants to win. Winning is an obligation," said Lopez
Caro who was dropped into the job on Sunday following the sacking of Vanderlei
Luxemburgo.
"We played very well but you pay for your mistakes and we made too many of
them. We made mistakes and conceded goals just when we were in control," he
added after his first game in charge.
Real had already reached the knockout stage behind Group F winners Olympique
Lyon and, despite fielding an under-strength side, took an early lead through
defender Sergio Ramos.
However, two goals in the second half from Erol Bulut and Brazilian Rivaldo
gave the Greek champions their first win in the Champions League this season.
Lopez Caro nevertheless praised a team largely made up of fringe players and
youngsters, after regulars like David Beckham, Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and
Roberto Carlos were rested.
"There were two elements that gave me great satisfaction," he said. "One was
the high level of professionalism shown by the players, and secondly the
collective spirit. There was a real show of solidarity."
Rivaldo goal gives consolation to Olympiakos
ATHENS, Dec 6 (Reuters) - A late goal from Rivaldo provided some consolation
for Olympiakos Piraeus when the Greek side completed their Champions League
campaign with a 2-1 win over an understrength Real Madrid on Tuesday.
The result made no difference at the business end of Group F because Real had
already qualified in second place behind Olympique Lyon and Olympiakos had no
chance of taking the UEFA Cup spot from Rosenborg Trondheim.
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