Michael Owen made an impressive debut for Real Madrid, coming off the bench to set up the winning goal in a 1-0 win over Mallorca.
Owen failed to make Real’s starting 11 as coach Jose Antonio Camacho opted to deploy strikers Raul and Ronaldo. But Owen was on the pitch on 25 minutes, replacing the injured Raul on 24 minutes.
On 52 minutes Owen created Real’s goal when he crossed for Ronaldo, who chested the ball home at the far post.
“Setting up a goal for Ronaldo was definitely the next best thing to scoring,” said Owen afterwards.
“I’m just so pleased to have played so long, and we got a result which was the main thing.”
Ronaldo praised the contribution of his new strike partner.
“He demonstrated he’s a player of great quality and great speed,” said Ronaldo.
“It’s great to have a player like him available for the team.”