Real thing for Woodgate as Madrid look for win

Spanish League/Real Madrid v Bilbao Bernabeu, 8.0 On TV: Sky Sports 2: He strolled into the morning sun wearing sandals and long hair. His team-mates are in desperate need of his healing powers and he is on the point of a resurrection, but Jonathan Woodgate yesterday insisted that he is no saviour.

Tonight the England defender makes his long-awaited competitive debut for Real Madrid against Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu, having not played since joining the club for £13.4million 13 months ago. And he does so with Real in a mini crisis; they have lost three matches in a week and linger down in 15th place. Their under-pressure coach Wanderley Luxemburgo yesterday admitted: "I hope Jonathan can help us". Madrid could certainly do with some assistance.

They have to tighten a defence that has conceded seven goals in three matches and looks especially vulnerable in the air - five of those seven came from set pieces. In the absence of the suspended Sergio Ramos, Woodgate lined up alongside Ivan Helguera yesterday morning as the team practised defending free-kicks and high balls into the area. As they came off, it was confirmed he would start tonight.

Small wonder his smile was so broad: he needs to play almost as much as Madrid need him to play. But though his aerial ability is a vital asset, the Englishman insisted that it was not for him alone to rescue Real. "I wouldn't say I was a saviour," he insisted. "It's down to the whole team to defend, not just me.

"I'm not bothered about the circumstances surrounding my debut; that doesn't worry me. I'm just desperate to play. I have been waiting for this for a long time. I'm really looking forward to it."

So is Luxemburgo. The Brazilian coach has consistently included Woodgate in his squads this season in an attempt to make him feel like a footballer again. Although the defender is naturally chirpy, has settled well and is making giant strides with his Spanish, Luxemburgo has been keen to keep his spirits up and integrate him into the side.

"I want Woodgate to start playing," he said, dismissing suggestions his inclusion was a risk. "Life is a constant risk, but I think he's ready. He's been training well and has come through five or six practice matches. I think he's up for it."

This year Woodgate was operated on in Finland in March and, having spent all summer training, made a five-minute debut in a friendly against an American MLS XI on August 23rd. Tonight is the Real thing.