Owen thrilled by first goal

Michael Owen spoke with bravado about his future in Spain after breaking his Real Madrid duck with the sort of poacher's goal for which he has become renowned.

His first-half strike earned Madrid a 1-0 win against Dynamo Kiev in Champions League group B, improving the Spaniards' chances of qualifying for the knock-out stages.

Since his summer move from Liverpool, England striker Owen has found it difficult to nail down a regular place in the Madrid line-up, and it has also been a struggle to settle in the Spanish capital.

But Owen believes his first goal, a close-range prod following a left-wing cross by Ronaldo, will have a tremendous impact on his career at the Bernabeu.

"This was a massive game, so to score the winner in front of your home fans in a Champions League match was a great feeling," said Owen.

"I just wish the timing could have been a bit better, in that maybe I could have scored it a little sooner.

"I think we were all a little edgy at first tonight but scoring settled me right down. It's what I have been waiting for since I came here.

"I have put in some good performances, and some okay performances since I arrived here, so it was important for me to score a goal because that is an important part of my game. It is just a relief to get off the mark."

He was substituted in the second half, but Owen's contribution had been vital.
"Things are slowly getting better and better for me now," he stressed.

"It is not easy living in a hotel room all the time, but I think everything is starting to some together."

Madrid coach Mariano Garcia Ramon opted for an unusual line-up, with strikers Raul, Ronaldo and Owen all in the starting line-up.

But having played and starred alongside Wayne Rooney and Jermain Defoe in a three-pronged England attack during recent World Cup qualifiers, Owen declared that he did not mind who he had to play alongside.

"I don't care where I play - as long as I play," Owen continued.

"It was an attacking line-up today with Raul moving out wide on the left.

"I was asked to work the flanks, while Ronaldo likes to work in and around the box taking men on.

"Funnily enough it was the opposite way round for the goal.

"He [Ronaldo] did great out on the left and put in a cracking ball.

"I just managed to stay on the blind side of the defender long enough to nip in front of him and score.

"Of course, I ran straight to him to congratulate him because he did so well."