SOCCER: Alex Ferguson was upbeat despite seeing Manchester United's Champions League dreams ended once again at the hands of Real Madrid last night.

Substitute David Beckham (2), Ruud van Nistelrooy, and an Ivan Helguera own-goal counted for United - but Ronaldo's hat-trick counted even more as it meant the Spanish side progressed 6-5 on aggregate despite last night's 4-3 defeat.

Ferguson said: "What a game! The key, as I said before the game, was to keep them out but we failed to do that. I am proud of players as they put up a terrific show."

His Real Madrid counterpart, Vicente del Bosque, echoed the Scot's thoughts.

"What a fantastic game between two great sides played at fantastic pace," the normally lugubrious Spaniard said.

"The game could have gone either way. We dominated possession and played well on the counterattack but United were creating chances and looked like they could score at the same time - a fantastic match!"

Freguson described the occasion as "a football night".

"We missed some chances but produced some fantastic football - I'm proud of the players.

"I said before the key was to keep them (Real) out and we couldn't do that.

"But the chances we had - we put on a terrific show but it was a pity we couldn't get that one early when their goalkeeper (Iker Casillas) stopped the shot from Juan Sebastian Veron."

Explaining his decision to leave Beckham on the substitutes' bench, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer handed a starting role in the side, Ferguson said: "It was quite straightforward.

"Solskjaer has been outstanding for us on the right-hand side, providing a real threat for us.

"I don't think you can take Ole out and regard him only as a substitute. I regard him as a first-team player who deserved his place tonight."

Pressed on Beckham's role Ferguson added: "Yes, he worked hard and is a terrific player."

On Ronaldo's contribution, the Scot added: "The third goal was a marvellous strike.

"You can't legislate for someone who can produce that - and that's why he's one of the top players in the world."

Del Bosque preferred to take the diplomatic route on the Beckham controversy.

"Thats not something for me to comment on.

"That was Mr Ferguson's decision. Maybe he felt on the night there were other players who were better placed to do a job at the start of the game."