Real show their good side with impressive win over Steaua

MADRID, Oct 18 (Reuters) Stung by criticism following their first league defeat of the season at the weekend, Real Madrid believe their 4-1 away Champions League victory over Steaua Bucharest proves they are still a force in Europe.

The nine-times European champions produced an irresistible display yesterday against the Romanians and remain on course for qualification for the knockout phase.

''We showed that when we want to we can play as a team,'' said Brazilian fullback Roberto Carlos. ''We showed personality and enthusiasm and were able to pressure our opponents. Those were things that were missing before.'' Coach Fabio Capello said that the victory had served to erase the painful memories of the 1-0 Getafe defeat on Saturday.

''This time we saw a team with quality and spirit out there and that is what counts,'' said the Italian. ''Now I'm happy.

''I said we had to forget the performance against Getafe because we can't play like that ever again. Instead we saw a Real Madrid that placed with pace and skill.

''I was pleased with the football we played because it isn't easy to come here and win by such a margin.'' A determined and disciplined Real made a positive start in Bucharest, taking an early grip when right back Sergio Ramos headed home from a corner in the ninth minute.

Raul doubled the lead with a trademark opportunist strike before the break and the lively Robinho made it 3-0 with a great finish early in the second half.

Although former European champions Steaua pulled one back eight minutes later, Ruud van Nistelrooy wrapped up an emphatic win with a classy fourth, dinking the ball over the stranded keeper Carlos 14 minutes from time.

''It was a complete change from the Getafe match,'' said Real keeper Iker Casillas. ''After such a terrible display we moved on and played a great game just three days later. We won and took a great stride forward in the Champions League.'' Real have pulled three points clear of Steaua in second place in Group E, three behind leaders Olympique Lyon who continued their perfect campaign with a 3-0 win away to Dynamo Kiev.

There will be little time, however, for Real to rest on their laurels as they host arch-rivals Barcelona at the Bernabeu on Sunday.

''Now we have to maintain this rhythm for the Barcelona game,'' said Real's sporting director Predrag Mijatovic. ''This win will boost our confidence for that game.'' REUTERS PM BS1459