Real Madrid

Real finally got the win and performance their supporters had been craving since Jose Mourinho was installed as the new manager in the summer, to serve notice of their Primera Division intentions.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the world’s most expensive footballer, scored twice in a one-sided contest against basement club Depor at a rain-drenched Bernabeu to leave Real in third place behind leaders Valencia and Villarreal (13/8 Valencia – La Liga Primera W/O Barcelona & Real Madrid).

The manner of the win had a whiff of inevitability about it given that Real had found the net just nine times since the start of the season prior to the Depor drubbing.

The Spanish giants had come under fire in the recent home match against Osasuna but the shackles finally came off against Miguel Lotina’s strugglers.

Mourinho refused to get carried away by the goal-fest and insisted his players still had work to do to win their first Spanish crown since 2008.

He said: “We look above and see there are still teams in front of us. We need to continue working.”

The Portuguese coach, who led Internazionale FC to an unprecedented treble of Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League titles last season, said he would thrive on the desire to win over his detractors.

Mourinho endured a stormy relationship with the Italian press during his time in Milan and doubts remain whether his conservative approach will win over seasoned Real fans accustomed to champagne football.

The former Chelsea coach admitted he still had work to do to appease the Bernabeu faithful but shrugged off personal criticism of his brand of football.

He said: “The doubts people have motivate me and make me laugh. I don’t understand why there are doubts about a coach who has won what I’ve won.

“I haven’t won three Champions League and seven championships – I’ve won two Champions Leagues and six championships. Is that sufficient to coach here? If so, I’ll continue working with calmness.”

He added: “I have the confidence of the president and the board. If they let me work here for four years, I promise a great team. We will have games likes this one and like the one against Levante.”

Barcelona were held to a 1-1 draw by Mallorca at Camp Nou on Sunday but totesport.com still has the champions as 5/6 favourites to retain their crown.

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Birmingham

McFadden suffered serious cruciate ligament damage during training on Friday, and Blues say he will be out of action “for the foreseeable future” (Birmingham 15/2 to be relegated).

Meanwhile, Scott Dann and Roger Johnson have been praised by Birmingham boss Alex McLeish, who says he is unwilling to part with either of the defenders.

Striker McFadden, who has played in all four of Birmingham’s Premier League games so far this season, will see a specialist on Monday with a view to surgery.

Scotland manager Craig Levein backed the player to bounce back.

He said: “I know more than anyone how devastating a cruciate ligament injury can be and my sympathies go to James.

“Having said that, he’s a strong character and I’m sure he will overcome it.”

McFadden only scored 11 goals in more than 100 appearances for Everton, but McLeish paid £5million for him in January 2008.

He was hampered by a serious knee injury in his second season with Blues, and has scored 13 goals in 82 games so far for the club.

McLeish has backed Dann and Johnson to continue their impressive form, and dared other clubs to make an offer for the pair.

“I think it’s great that my players are getting recognition, because that means we’re doing well,” he said.

“So bring it on. I’d be quite happy, but it won’t be easy for any club to buy players from this club.”

McLeish said he did not think the reported interest from Manchester United and Liverpool would make Dann take his eye off the ball.

He said: “”I think he’ll take it in his stride. The speculation should enhance his self esteem.

“He knows how I would feel about him if he all of a sudden became a prima donna.”

Ahead of Birmingham’s derby match at West Brom in the Premier League on Saturday (Birmingham 21/20 – 90 minutes), the Blues manager said both Dann and Johnson have the potential to play for their country.

He said: “Scott is younger and has a great chance of going further in the game.

“Roger wants it badly, he’s got incredible desire. There’s no reason why he can’t be looked upon for honours.”

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