Fabio Capello, coach of Spanish soccer giant Real Madrid, played down his team's 4-1 away victory over San Mames Athletic on Sunday, saying it exaggerated the difference between the two teams.

The Italian manager said, Real Madrid had more concentration, quality, and personality in the Bilbao team's Catedral Stadium, "but Athletic fought for each ball and played well."

"In the first half they had two shots at goal," said Capello.

He added that he was pleased with the performance of Madrid player, Brazil's Cicinho.

"He has been very good. This week he trained well and I believed he was ready for a difficult game like this one."

Capello said he was hoping to get some players back from fairly serious injuries for the next few games.

Editor: Donald