Real Madrid 1 - Spartak Moscow 0

Real Madrid: Casillas; Michel Salgado, Karanka, Iván Helguera, Roberto Carlos; Figo, Makelele, Celades (Hierro 80'), Savio (McManaman 65'); Guti, Munitis (Tote 88'). 4-4-2.
Goals:
1-0. 50. Helguera. Clipped in cross from left by Roberto Carlos.

Real Madrid carved out an unconvincing 1-0 victory against Spartak Moscow in their second Champions League game to move to the top of their group with four points. With Raúl joining Morientes on Madrid's ever growing injury list, manager Vicente Del Bosque was forced to play a makeshift forward line, with midfielder Guti joining left winger Munitis in attack. Flavio was also missing having not fully recovered from a groin strain, although Hierro was back in the squad after a four month absence through injury.

The crowd for this match was disappointing, with only 30,000 turning up, less than half the 78,000 capacity. Madrid were concerned before the game that Spartak were better prepared having started their season well before the league began in Spain, and their fears were well founded as the Russians advanced time and time again on goal in the first half. Twice they fired shots against the post, first by Kalynychenko and then Robson, and only Casillas kept them at bay with three or four vital saves. Madrid's only reply was a mishit shot from Guti and a free kick from Roberto Carlos which went just wide.

Things changed in the second half however, and Madrid took control, taking the lead through their best player Iván Helguera from a Roberto Carlos cross. Roberto Carlos himself hit the post shortly afterwards, and Guti missed a couple of chances which he should have stuck away (much to the crowd's disgust). Savio went down injured and Del Bosque brought on McManaman to the biggest ovation of the night, the Englishmen taking over on the left wing. Figo hit a post again and Munitis shot over the bar, and with ten minutes to go the manager decided it was time to play safe. On came Hierro in a five man defence, and although Casillas had to save in injury time from Spartak's substitute Marcao, the Spaniards kept their cool and settled for the three points. They must be thankful that they have one of the easier groups, as until they get their strike force back they are looking vulnerable. Next week they go to Bayer Leverkusen, and they need to come away with something. Raúl is doing his best to be there. They need him.