Real try to look on bright side of Cup defeat
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-01-20 09:33

Real Madrid coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo admitted he was disappointed by his side's shock exit from the King's Cup at the hands of second division Valladolid.

Real Madrid's Ronaldo, of brazil, reacts after missing a shot during the second leg, third round, Copa de Rey, Spanish cup match against second-division Valladolid in Madrid, Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005. [AP]

"Football is like this sometimes, we are all very sad but we have to pick ourselves up and get on with our job because the season goes on," the Brazilian told repoters after his side were dumped out of the Cup on the away goals rule on Wednesday.

"I'm not happy about going out of any competition but the positive side is that the calendar is now a little less congested and we will have more time to prepare for our league and Champions League matches."

After a goalless draw in the first leg, Real looked on course to book their place in the last eight when Michael Owen put them ahead midway through the second half.

The visitors refused to fold and striker Xavi More grabbed the all-important away goal 12 minutes from time to put the second division side through to the next round.

Like Luxemburgo, defender Roberto Carlos tried to take something positive from Real's premature exit from the competition.

"We are all upset about going out but we are still in two competitions," said the Brazilian international. "We played badly in the first half but we improved in the second and we can play better than this.

"I still believe we can win the league and get to the final of the Champions League."

Real are in second place in the Primera Liga, seven points behind arch-rivals Barcelona at the halfway stage in the season. They will meet Juventus in the last 16 of the Champions League next month.

Valladolid coach Sergio Kresic denied that his side's victory over the nine-times European champions had come as a surprise.

"You can't describe this as a miracle," said the Croatian boss. "We played a great game and never lost our nerve even after the Owen goal. This win will really lift our spirits for our upcoming games."

Close

Australian Open: Li Na beat Shinobu Asagoe Tennis star: Maria Sharapova Real, Valladolid come to goaless draw

Today's Top News     Top Sports News
Space mission set: two to orbit in Shenzhou-VI         Hostage release sought: Iraqi VP         China, Canada sign energy agreements         FM spokesman: 'China a victim of terrorism'         Bush takes oath of office for second term         Online gambling sees 600 arrested	Yao leads Shaq in NBA All-Star balloting       Sun Jihai eyes new Man City contract       LeBron is youngest to get triple-double       Federer, Williams through at Australian Open       Real try to look on bright side of Cup defeat       Man Utd end Exeter fairytale