Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster was pleased with the performance of Roberto Soldado after giving the striker a surprise start in last night's disappointing 1-0 defeat at Deportivo La Coruna.

Schuster, who saw his team succumb through a Pepe own goal, said: "I thought it advisable that he played today and he has done great work. He had been training well during recent weeks and it was an opportunity that was deserved.

"I do not believe he did too badly."