Robinho and Ruud van Nistelrooy struck for Real, but Werder's quality on the break was too much for Madrid's defence, with only Pepe coming away from the game in credit. The Portugal international offered no excuses afterwards and admitted Real were completely outplayed by their hosts.

"It is important to be professional and to lift our heads," said Pepe at the final whistle. "It is clear that it has been a very difficult game for us at every moment.

"We lost the physical duels, and they have also been very strong in the air. We needed communication and we also lost too many balls in the second phase. But it is unnecessary to become crazy because we continue being first in the group and we play the decisive last game at home (against Lazio)."

Real skipper Raul added: "The direct game of Werder hurt us badly. We knew they were strong in the air, but couldn't cope."