Raul nets number 700 for Real

Real Madrid recorded their 700th goal in European competition on on Wednesday night after beating Anderlecht 4-1 in the Champions League.

The Spaniards had a bright start to the match and completely domintated for the first 10 minutes. But the game soon settled down leaving Anderlecht free to attack the home side. Iker Casillas, who up until then had nothing to do, was forced to save with his feet after striker Aranu Dindane broke through only to poke the ball straight at the Real keeper.

Raul Gonzalez had a perfect opportunity to level the score after 24 minutes - keeper De Wilde saved the striker's first attempt in the one-on-one but Raul mis-hit the rebound, skewing the ball wide.

Santiago Solari, perhaps Real's most active player during the first half, saw his long range effort race through a sea of Anderlecht defenders only to be pushed for a corner by De Wilde shortly after.

Real seemed to lose their early vigour and a series of errors in midfield allowed the Belgians in on goal with frequency.

The deadlock was broken in the 33rd minute when Aruna Dindane was again allowed to power his way through Real's rearguard, this time the striker was left to lift the ball over a helpless Casillas putting the visitors in front.

Real launched a wave of attacks on Anderlecht's goal in the final minutes but to no avail.

There was only one team in the second half, Real Madrid. The equalizer came after 49 minutes, De Wilde saving at Makelele's feet but the ball deflected to Albert Celades who slammed home from six yards.

Raul grabbed a second just one minute later, chesting down a deep Roberto Carlos ball from the halfway line to tap home from close range.

It was Raul who hit Real's third, and their 700th goal in European competition and it was finished in spectacular fashion - an exquisite chip from the edge of the box that dipped under the bar.

Santiago Solari was rewarded for his superb game with Real's fourth, an elegant chip that nestled inside the right post.

Anderlecht threw away a chance for a consolation goal when they were awarded a penalty in injury time for an innocent-looking challenge by Celades on Said Tarek. But De Bilde blasted the spot-kick against the left post.

Real remain leaders of Group A with a maximum nine points.