Wesley Sneijder admits Real Madrid players are well aware of the debate swirling over the status of skipper Raul.

Reflecting on Raul's brace against Sporting Gijon in midweek, Sneijder said: "Apart from the result and the victory, I am delighted that Raul has scored two goals. It's the perfect answer to all those from the media who have questioned his value.

"Our captain has too much dignity to complain about the harassment of the press. He responds in the best way: scoring goals."