Jonathan Woodgate made a huge impact on his long-awaited Real Madrid debut, scoring a spectacular own goal and then being sent off against Athletic Bilbao.
In the first half Woodgate, 25, stooped to clear a Joseba Etxeberria shot but only succeeded in heading the ball past goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
And Woodgate was then dismissed after 65 minutes for collecting a second yellow card.
Despite being reduced to ten mem, Real went on to win comfortably, beating Bilbao 3-1 with goals from Brazilian Robinho and two from their captain, Raul.
Woodgate's first yellow card was brandished when he lunged at Bilbao midfielder Carlos Gurpegi just before half time..
The second booking was for fouling Etxeberria.
Aftewards, the former Leeds United and Newcastle defender, out of action for 18 months, admitted: "It was not the best start in the world."
Regarding the own goal, he said: "I couldn't believe it. I went to try to block the ball and it just skimmed off my head. Obviously, I did not want to get an own goal."
And on the sending-off, he added: "I just can't believe I got sent off. I didn't think the second yellow card was right, you know, but it's the referee's decision.
"I want to thank the public, who were brilliant when I was walking off. They were all clapping and cheering."
It was Woodgate's first competitive match since tearing a thigh muscle in a Premiership game against Chelsea on 25 April 2004. He had been due to make his debut for Real last October but suffered a recurrence of the injury in a training game.
At least the England international came through his debut without reaction to the injury. "Physically I felt good," he said. "My leg was no problem and I felt strong."
And he promised: " I will come back stronger."
In the first half Woodgate, 25, stooped to clear a Joseba Etxeberria shot but only succeeded in heading the ball past goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
And Woodgate was then dismissed after 65 minutes for collecting a second yellow card.
Despite being reduced to ten mem, Real went on to win comfortably, beating Bilbao 3-1 with goals from Brazilian Robinho and two from their captain, Raul.
Woodgate's first yellow card was brandished when he lunged at Bilbao midfielder Carlos Gurpegi just before half time..
The second booking was for fouling Etxeberria.
Aftewards, the former Leeds United and Newcastle defender, out of action for 18 months, admitted: "It was not the best start in the world."
Regarding the own goal, he said: "I couldn't believe it. I went to try to block the ball and it just skimmed off my head. Obviously, I did not want to get an own goal."
And on the sending-off, he added: "I just can't believe I got sent off. I didn't think the second yellow card was right, you know, but it's the referee's decision.
"I want to thank the public, who were brilliant when I was walking off. They were all clapping and cheering."
It was Woodgate's first competitive match since tearing a thigh muscle in a Premiership game against Chelsea on 25 April 2004. He had been due to make his debut for Real last October but suffered a recurrence of the injury in a training game.
At least the England international came through his debut without reaction to the injury. "Physically I felt good," he said. "My leg was no problem and I felt strong."
And he promised: " I will come back stronger."
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