Mixed feelings for Real's caretaker after Greek defeat

Real Madrid caretaker coach Juan Ramon Lopez Caro was disappointed and satisfied after a 2-1 defeat by Olympiakos Piraeus in the Champions League on Tuesday.

"First of all, I have to say I'm disappointed because Real Madrid is an ambitious club that always wants to win. Winning is an obligation," said Lopez Caro who was dropped into the job on Sunday following the sacking of Vanderlei Luxemburgo.
 
"We played very well but you pay for your mistakes and we made too many of them. We made mistakes and conceded goals just when we were in control," he added after his first game in charge.

Real had already reached the knockout stage behind Group F winners Olympique Lyon and, despite fielding an under-strength side, took an early lead through defender Sergio Ramos.

However, two goals in the second half from Erol Bulut and Brazilian Rivaldo gave the Greek champions their first win in the Champions League this season.

Lopez Caro nevertheless praised a team largely made up of fringe players and youngsters, after regulars like David Beckham, Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and Roberto Carlos were rested.

"There were two elements that gave me great satisfaction," he said. "One was the high level of professionalism shown by the players, and secondly the collective spirit. There was a real show of solidarity."