Spanish media accepts Beckham as a galatico

The Spanish media has already accepted Real Madrid midfielder David Beckham as a 'galactico' after another outstanding performance against Malaga on Sunday.

Crowned with a trademark free-kick, Beckham's goalscoring display had the usually demanding Spanish press singing the England skipper's praises.

Esteban Cambiasso admitted on Saturday that Beckham's passing range has added a new dimension to Real's midfield and his work-rate had taken his new Real teammates aback.

Last night, Beckham said: "I am very pleased because we have beaten a very difficult opponent at home and also I've managed to score."

"I set myself a target of trying to score from dead-ball situations before every game - and yesterday I achieved that."

"Malaga were very competitive and forced us to work hard, but we came off the pitch very pleased with the way we defended and attacked."

Spanish daily AS gushed: "Beckham was excellent. He worked, he defended, he gave, he received and, of course, he scored. Superbly."