Spain is Different, as the tourist slogan famously ran. Just how different Jonathan Woodgate has already discovered in his surreal and comically catastrophic Real Madrid debut. But his team-mate David Beckham insists he can become one of the best defenders in Spain and make a fast return to the England team.

Woodgate scored a spectacular own-goal, diving to head beyond the goalkeeper Iker Casillas, and was sent off just after an hour of his his long-awaited return to competitive football after 516 days in the wilderness, 14 months after joining Real Madrid for £13.4 million from Newcastle. He picked up two yellow cards in the 3-1 win over Bilbao - the first for a crunching challenge on Carlos Gurpegi, the second for an innocuous-looking challenge on Joseba Etxeberria that he insists would not have earned him a card in the Premiership. He is thus suspended for tomorrow's trip to Alaves.

"I couldn't believe it when he dished out a yellow," said Woodgate. "I was thinking 'Jesus Christ, don't get sent off' and then I got sent off. I thought to myself: 'What a debut this is. An own goal and then this.'

"When I scored the own-goal I knew it was no good hiding under rocks. And at half-time the lads just said mala suerte (bad luck) to me. That was okay, we turned it round, but then I got sent off. The first one was a definite card - I let myself down with that challenge - but the second one wasn't. I would definitely support an appeal - big time."

Unlikely support came from Woodgate's victim, who backed the Englishman to make an impact in Spain. "I don't think the card was so much for the foul as the fact that we had a chance to get in behind them," Etxeberria said. "I don't think he will struggle in Spain. He's a complete player - very strong in the air."

Nonetheless, Woodgate will need time to adapt. "In England I got sent off just once and only got nine bookings in all the games I played and then here, well . . ." he shrugged. "I know I have to take it easy and not go flying into tackles. I didn't agree with the decision but it's a fast game and a tough call."

As Woodgate departed, he was treated to a standing ovation. Timidly, he applauded back - even though he was not sure it was the right thing to do. "The fans' reaction was unbelievable," he said. "My head was spinning, I saw them waving scarves, but I thought it couldn't be for me. I didn't know if I should clap them back because it's not the best thing when you've been sent off but I had to in the end because of the way they supported me."

That is a reception with which Beckham, sent off twice in his first season, is familiar. "I didn't think it was booking either and I think the club will appeal but we will have to wait and see," said the England captain.

"As soon as he is playing regularly he has a chance of getting back into the England squad. He was one of the best defenders in England and now he will be one of the best defenders in Spain."

Guardian Service