Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho says Nuri Sahin deserved his start last night in victory at Apoel Nicosia.

The call surprised everyone, with many pundits convinced Sahin had already played his last game under Mourinho.

"He was very good and we are very happy because he's a great guy who has tried to overcome a difficult situation moving to a club like Real Madrid when he was not been able to train or play," said Mou.

"It was the ideal match for him because I knew we would have much of the ball."