Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster singled out youngster Fernando Gago for special praise after last night's 2-1 victory over Werder Bremen.

Gago, in his first start of the season, was given the job of marking Werder ace Diego out of the game and Schuster was pleased with the Argentine's efforts.

"He had a very difficult job," said the Real coach. "Not only did we want him to win the ball, but also to mark Diego. We must congratulate him because he did a hard job well.

"Diego is someone very difficult to mark."

Schuster also was full of praise for goal scorer Raul: "He is a fighter and he never lets himself rest. This season, with a new trainer, he dropped his airs and graces to fight for his position. We know his quality.

"New blood has come in, but that has only motivated him to be even better. He is helping us a lot."