Beckham is back

A 2-1 win Saturday over Valencia leaves Real Madrid just two points behind leaders Barcelona.

"We just about deserved to win tonight," said Real captain Raul Gonzalez, "although they didn't play badly at all." Van Nistelrooy gave Real a lead in the 17th minute with a magnificent right-foot volley on a defender Torres centre from the left. The visitors scored six minutes into the second half, when the completely unmarked Morientes turned in a perfect centre from right- winger Joaquin.

Real scored the second goal in the 72nd minute, when Real defender Sergio Ramos headed in a clever free-kick from David Beckham, who had just come off the bench.