MATCH REPORT

Despite overwhelming the game at times, Spanish giants real Madrid eventually won only by having a lot of luck on their side. Their first goal was scored by young French striker Nicolas Anelka when a harmless ball he was chasing was cleared by defender Ibrahim Al Shokia, only to bounce off of Anelka and loop over goalkeeper Mohammed Babkr's head into the net.
It was recent signing Ahmed Bahja who helped Saudi club Al-Nassr to equalise. His charge into the penalty area was blocked by Christian Karembeu in injury time of the first half and a penalty was awarded. Fahad Al Husseini sent Casillas the wrong way and the ball rolled into the net, leaving both sides level at half-time.
Al-Nassr failed to press for a win, however, and in the second half a fumble by Babkr effectively gifted the game to Real. He failed to secure a soft cross from Geremi and knocked the ball into his own goal - although Raúl was there to make sure and to take the credit. It was all over for the Saudi club just 7 minutes later when Anelka was brought down in the penalty box and Brazilian Savio shot home the penalty. Real finished the last 20 minutes of the game in comfort.
This was by no means a classic game by the previous lofty standards of the Madrid club, with none of their goals coming from tactical play. It remains to be seen how they will cope with Brazilian champions Corinthians when they meet in the second round.