Real Madrid 3 Rosenborg 1

Real Madrid recovered some dignity in the Bernabeu against a spirited Rosenborg side but they needed two late goals to earn a win that did not seem likely for most of this match.

The Norwegian champions played very well and found it easy to expose the Real defence as the Spanish club went into talks to find a new coach. Real opened the game well with Guttierez almost firing in during the opening seconds but his shot went narrowly wide. Real's shooting in the first half was often inaccurate but Raul gave the home side a lead when he latched onto a spill from goalkeeper Jorn Jamtfall who could not hold onto a snap shot from Savio.

Defender Erik Hofton then put Rosenborg into real trouble. With only seconds to go before half time he fouled Morientes but Jamtfall made amends for his earlier mistake to parry away Hierro's low drive.

This set back hurt the Spanish side's confidence after the 5-1 hammering suffered against Real Zaragoza at the weekend and Rosenborg were able to claim most of the play in the second session.

John Carew headed in a driven corner from an unmarked position in the 47th minute and Real only responded properly in the last five minutes with the Norwegians looking well set to achieve a valuable draw.

Savio was put clear into the penalty area by Morientes and from his clear sight of goal he slammed in a left foot shot to put Real ahead.

Roberto Carlos put a gloss on the game that the struggling Spanish side did not deserve when he came down the left wing and could not be stopped before he hit a high shot into the far corner for a fine individual effort.

Rosenborg must be upset at the way they let a draw slip and have now only one point from two games in this section. The pressure remains on Madrid's assorted collection of super star under achievers to respond to poor league form before the elite competition resumes at the end of February.