Owen still hoping for starring role

Michael Owen has vowed to keep fighting for a place in the Real Madrid starting line-up after another substitute appearance led to his now almost customary goal.

Owen, who came on late in the second half, scored the last goal in Real’s 5-0 win over Levante in the 88th minute.

The England striker admitted: “It’s hard to go on to the pitch when you’re already winning 4-0, but it’s always good to get on and it’s always good to score a goal.

“If I want to get into the side this is what I have to do, score and take chances. I have to keep showing the right attitude to get my chance. I’m happy with my form and my goals and I have to carry on like this,”

Real coach Mariano Garcia Remon was delighted with his side’s second-half display.

They had struggled until Ronaldo gave them the lead two minutes before the break.

But the game was over as a contest nine minutes into the second half as Luis Figo, David Beckham and Ronaldo again, made it 4-0.

Figo and Beckham were both on target with spectacular long-range efforts.

“In the second half we were lucky enough to be able to resolve the game from outside of the area,” Remon said. “The second half was very comfortable for us. The first half was an effort, Levante pressed hard and although everyone wanted to play well, it was difficult.”