Instant impact

The champions began the defence of their title with a 2-1 win at home against the rapidly improving Seville-based side.

Beckham's goal came with only his second touch of the match - Brazilian left-back Roberto Carlos galloped down the left wing and crossed low for Beckham to side-foot home from only seven yards.

Betis exploited the definite gaps in Real's defence when they equalised on 34 minutes. Joaquin won a corner and his floated cross was met by Juanito, who rose above Cambiasso to beat Casillas.

Real were not to be outdone and again the England captain was integral in their winner. A trademark pinpoint cross found French playmaker Zinedine Zidane in space and his cross found Ronaldo who beat Contreras.

After the match Beckham was pleased with his contribution: "I'm glad. You have your ups and downs in life but I'm glad to be over them and enjoying my football again," said Beckham after the game.

"This is the happiest I've been at this point in time for a year and a half to two years now."

"A few of the lads were saying before the game that I was going to score again with my head and I said there was absolutely no chance," Beckham said.

"It was nice to get one with my foot. It's probably the quickest I've ever scored so it's nice to do it here and on the first day of the season."

Beckham will now join up with the rest of Sven-Goran Eriksson's England squad ahead of the crucial Euro 2004 qualifiers against Macedonia (on Saturday) and Liechtenstein (next Wednesday).

Real Madrid: Casillas; Míchel Salgado, Raúl Bravo, Helguera, Roberto Carlos; Cambiasso; Beckham, Zidane (Portillo, 87), Figo; Raúl (Solari, 77), Ronaldo (Morientes, 87).

Betis: Contreras; Varela (Ito, 85), Juanito, Lembo, Mingo; Arzu, Assuncao; Joaquín, Capi, Ismael (Fernando, 60); Palermo (Maldonado, 73).

Referee: Carmona Méndez

Bookings: Varela (14), Ronaldo (39), Lembo (48), Arzu (68), Capi (77) and Solari (92).