Depleted Real defy critics by easing into knockout stage

Real Madrid players believe their early qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League proves that critics were too quick to write them off as potential title winners.

The Spaniards made a shaky start in their bid to win a 10th European crown when they slumped to a heavy 3-0 defeat in their opening Group F match against Olympique Lyon and have failed to shine in the Primera Liga.

But a hard-earned victory at home to Olympiakos Piraeus and back-to-back wins over Rosenborg Trondheim mean they are now assured of a place in the first knockout phase alongside group leaders Lyon who maintained their perfect record with an emphatic 4-1 win away to the Greek side on Tuesday.

"Sometimes I just don't understand the criticism," goalkeeper Iker Casillas said after the game in Norway.

"You'd think that we were in 15th place in the league, that we were out of Europe and the King's Cup, but the reality is completely different."

"It wasn't an easy game because they pressured us all the time and had more chances than us but we came out with the three points, scored two goals and didn't concede any. This win will give a major boost to our morale."

"Despite the numerous injuries we have suffered we have proved that we have a good squad."

Real were missing Ronaldo, Julio Baptista, Zinedine Zidane, Thomas Gravesen, Pablo Garcia and Ivan Helguera for the Rosenborg match, but captain Raul said he was proud of the effort made by what was largely a makeshift team.

"We are very pleased with this result," he said. "In the first half we played like a team, worked well together, helped each other, communicated well and this will all help us become a better side."

The players recognised, however, that displacing Lyon from top spot in Group F would be no easy task.

"We know it is going to be very difficult because Lyon are a very strong team," said midfielder David Beckham. "It is going to be very hard to catch them but let no one doubt that we will be doing our best."