Since his summer move from Liverpool, England striker Owen has found it difficult to nail down a regular place in the Madrid line-up, and it has also been a struggle to settle in the Spanish capital.

But Owen believes his first goal, a close-range prod following a left-wing cross by Ronaldo, will have a tremendous impact on his career at the Bernabeu.

“This was a massive game, so to score the winner in front of your home fans in a Champions League match was a great feeling,” said Owen.

“I just wish the timing could have been a bit better, in that maybe I could have scored it a little sooner.

“I think we were all a little edgy at first tonight but scoring settled me right down. It’s what I have been waiting for since I came here.”