Real Madrid's galacticos have heaped praise on City's gallant display following last night's friendly in Irdning.

Goals from Raul and Roberto Soldado handed the Potters their first pre-season defeat but Madrid stars agreed that it wasn't a walkover.

Spanish international Soldado, scorer of a controversial second-half penalty, was pleased with the club's first outing of pre-season.

"We knew Stoke City were going to close ranks in defence and that we would have a hard time trying to have chances on goal. Nevertheless, I think the team did very well considering this was our first game.

"Stoke had good, tough players, but we were superior.

"I know I still have a long way to go, but it's good to start getting fit with games like this", said Soldado.

Meanwhile, new arrival Jerzy Dudek made his first appearance for Real since his summer move from Liverpool, and admitted he was delighted with the outcome.

The Polish keeper said, "Iker (Casillas), Jaro (keeper coach) and Codina taught me key words so that I could communicate with the defence. I knew just how tough Stoke City really are, so I'm very happy with the final score".

Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy also lavished praise on the Potters.

Watching from the sidelines, Ruud said, "It was a very good workout for the lads against a good team.

"I was especially impressed with the number 18 (Peter Sweeney). He had a very good left foot and caused us lots of problems".

Finally, Bernd Schuster ended his first game in charge of Real Madrid victorious and was pleased with his team's performance.

"I think we did things well, so my general impression of the game was good. We always looked to score.

"Stoke were a complicated opposition because they closed ranks in defence, but that was good for us because it forced us try to score from different plays.

"In the end we won 2-0, which I think is a good result."