Never write off Real: Beckham

David Beckham hit back at Real Madrid's critics after the Spanish side beat Monaco 4-2 in their Champions League quarter-final first leg clash and insisted they have put their bad patch behind them.

Real, chasing a 10th European title, went into Wednesday's match on the back of a defeat in the final of the Spanish Cup and a 4-2 mauling at the hands of Athletic Bilbao at the weekend which resulted in their league lead being cut to just a point.

Against Monaco, they had to come from a goal down before wrapping up the match after the interval.

"There was a lot of pressure on us having lost the final and then having our lead cut to one point," the England skipper said late Wednesday.

"So there was a lot of pressure on us to perform. I think in the first half we were still lagging from Saturday's defeat but in the second half we pushed and generated lots of chances and put them away."

"We have found it hard to get going in a lot of matches this season but we felt strong in the second half."

Despite their recent problems, Beckham said that the team was always convinced they could rediscover their best form.

"All top teams have tough times," said Beckham.

"Valencia had it at the start of the season and so have Barcelona. They have recovered. You have to come through it and we have the players to do it."

Beckham also praised the contribution of Ronaldo who made a goal-scoring return to the team after another injury lay-off.

"Ronny's presence keeps defenders occupied," said Beckham.

"He is one of the best strikers in the world, if not the best and he proved it again tonight."

Beckham's joy at victory on Wednesday was tempered by the knowledge that he will miss the second leg in Monaco on April 7 through suspension.

He picked up a yellow card in injury time on Wednesday and will have to sit out the return.