Portuguese fans boo Beckham

David Beckham was subjected to a torrent of abuse from Portuguese fans on his return to the scene of his Euro 2004 penalty nightmare last night.

Beckham was jeered and booed as he took his place in the centre of Real Madrid's midfield for a friendly against Benfica at the Stadium of Light.

Former boss Jose Antonio Camacho, now coach at Real, was treated to a hero's welcome after guiding Benfica to the Portuguese Cup last season.

But England skipper Beckham, who complained about the penalty spot after missing kicks against France and Portugal at the stadium during Euro 2004 last month, was on the receiving end from the home fans from the word go.

When Beckham tripped Newcastle target Miguel late in the first half it looked for a second as if the fans' wind-up tactics might have the desired effect. But Camacho chose to spare him in the second half, bringing on Argentinian Santiago Solari in his place. Considering the crowd's unrelenting taunts perhaps that was a wise decision.

Beckham may well be partnered in the middle of Real's midfield by Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira at the start of the league season, and the need for the Spanish giants to bolster that area of their team was exposed by the Portuguese side just a minute into the game.