An outstanding first-half display from Deportivo Coruna set the Spaniards on their way to a 2-0 victory over Arsenal in their Champions League group D opener tonight.
Roy Makaay and Diego Tristan both managed to squeeze shots past Arsenal keeper Richard Wright, who was substituted at half-time, to put the home side 2-0 up within 25 minutes in the second group phase of the competition.
Arsenal improved after the break, with Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires creating more mischief in midfield, but there was no cutting edge from the Londoners and Depor continued to threaten on the break.
Substitute striker Walter Pandiani had two excellent chances to add to the Depor lead, while Arsenal had to be content with a couple of long-range efforts that were easily saved by Jose Molina.
Striker Fernando Morientes scored twice to help Real Madrid beat Sparta Prague 3-2 in their opening group C Champions League second stage match.
After a slow start Real showed their class, underlined by Zinedine Zidane's 20th minute score.
Rastislav Michalik equalised 10 minutes later to bring the home crowd to its feet, but Morientes made it 2-1 to Real in the 36th minute.
Sparta Prague equalised in the 72nd minute when midfielder Libor Sionko's long drive deflected off defender Francisco Pavon and past a helpless Iker Casillas to level the score again.
But less than a minute later, Morientes picked up a rebound from Roberto Carlos's saved shot and slotted the ball home for the winner.
Porto's defence held firm to frustrate home side Panathinaikos and earn a 0-0 draw in their Champions League second phase group C match.