Jonathan Woodgate suffered a torrid Real Madrid debut, scoring a spectacular own goal and then being sent off against Athletic Bilbao.
In the first half Woodgate, 25, stooped to clear a Joseba Etxeberria shot only to head the ball past Iker Casillas.
Woodgate was red-carded on 65 minutes after picking up a second yellow card.
Despite Woodgate's sending off Real went on to comfortably beat Bilbao 3-1, with goals from Brazilian Robinho and a brace from captain Raul.
Woodgate's first yellow card came when he lunged at Bilbao midfielder Carlos Gurpegi just before the interval.
The second booking was for a foul on Etxeberria.
Woodgate confessed: "It was not the best start in the world."
On his own goal, he said: "I couldn't believe it. I went to try to block the ball and it just skimmed off my head. Obviously, I did not want to get an own goal."
As for his dismissal, the former Leeds and Newcastle player added: "I just can't believe I got sent off. I didn't think the second yellow card was right, you know, but it's the referee's decision.
"I want to thank the public, who were brilliant when I was walking off. They were all clapping and cheering."
Injury to Ivan Helguera and a suspension for Sergio Ramos had allowed the central defender to make his debut over a year after joining Real from Newcastle in a £13.4m move.
Woodgate had not started a competitive match since tearing a thigh muscle in a Premiership game against Chelsea on 25 April 2004.
He had been due to make his debut for Real last October but suffered a recurrence of the injury in a training game.
Woodgate did make a brief appearance for Real in the final five minutes of a pre-season match in August.
On a positive note, the Englishman came through his debut without any adverse physical reaction.
"Physically I felt good," he said. "My leg was no problem and I felt strong."
He also vowed: "I will come back stronger."