Spain Takes Defeat on the Chin

Deportivo La Coruna striker Diego Tristan came under fire in the Spanish press today for his horror tackle on David Beckham during Manchester United's Champions League victory last night.

The reckless last-minute foul resulted in Beckham being stretchered off, raising concerns in England that the national team captain could be seriously injured.

El Pais led the condemnation of Diego Tristan, dedicating an entire article to the foul. "Tristan's unquestionable quality had this season hidden his behavior which the home fans had previously criticized on more than one occasion", wrote columnist Xoan Hermida.

"Yesterday, he shamed his team with a foul that could have proved costly to Beckham."

Sports daily Marca said: "Tristan lost control and committed a very hard foul on Beckham," while Diaro AS called Tristan's foul "ugly".

Sir Alex Ferguson expects his star to be ready for the return leg next week.

United, meanwhile, won over the Spanish newspapers with their efforts in a rain-soaked Riazor Stadium.

Marca headlined their match report: "A lot of Manchester but little Depor" and then hailed the contributions of Beckham and Ruud van Nistelrooy.

"Beckham and van Nistelrooy's goals leave Deportivo with one foot out of the Champions League. United were better and gave a football concerto at Riazor."

Barcelona sports daily El Mundo Deportivo wrote: "Manchester hand out a lesson."

"Manchester swept Deportivo off the pitch and the result can be considered little reward for what they did during the game."

El Pais remembered Deportivo's 3-2 win at Old Trafford, stating: "The Manchester whom Deportivo defeated twice are a hazy memory.

"Once in the knock-out phase of the competition, Manchester have recovered their security and they passed through Riazor with almost insulting elegance."