Real's five-goal salvo helps win over doubting fans

MADRID, Sep 27 (Reuters) Real Madrid's 5-1 demolition of Dynamo Kiev in the Bernabeu yesterday was a significant morale-boost for the fans and the team, Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos said.

A 2-0 defeat to Olympique Lyon on the opening day of the Champions League two weeks ago raised question marks over Fabio Capello's new project.

Coupled to an effective if uninspiring start to their Primera Liga campaign, that has left them second only to arch-rivals Barcelona, yesterday's goal-laden win could not have come at a better time.

''The Bernabeu needed a result like this. It has been an important win and now we must continue in the same vain,'' Roberto Carlos said.

''The key thing was we functioned as a unit, scored five goals and could have had more.'' Real's forwards enjoyed a field day with a goal for Jose Antonio Reyes and two-apiece for Ruud van Nistelrooy and Raul, who had not scored since October last year.

Added to that Brazilian striker Ronaldo returned to action for the first time this season as a second-half substitute, and was given a warm welcome by the home fans with whom he has had a strained relationship.

''Raul suffered a bad injury last season and perhaps that prevented us from seeing the player we all used to seeing,'' said goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

''He has proven once he again he can be the best. Also it was great to see Ronaldo back from injury and receive the support of the fans.'' While the frontline provided some of the flamboyance demanded by Real's fans, the defence looked uncomfortable at times and Capello was quick to point out the need to improve in that department.

''I think we made some defensive errors. They have a lot of quality and pace on the break and there were a few things I didn't like at the back,'' said the Italian.

Real's next game is the city derby against Atletico Madrid in the Bernabeu on Sunday.

REUTERS DH BD1605