MADRID - Real Madrid centre-back Pepe said he is anxious to put a nightmare home debut behind him after conceding a penalty and later being sent off in his side's 5-3 defeat against Sevilla in the return leg of the Spanish Super Cup at the Bernabeu.

"It's the first time I've conceded so many goals in my career," said the Brazilian-born defender who joined Real from Porto for 30 million euros in the close season.

"I'm very sad as I hate losing, but I'll be working hard to pick myself up from this."

Meanwhile, Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido could hardly contain his joy after a 5-3 win over Real Madrid allowed his side to claim their first ever Spanish Super Cup.

"This win demonstrates to everyone in Spain that Sevilla are the best team in Spain," Del Nido was quoted as saying on the club's website (www.sevillafc.es). "We have a squad of players that is capable of beating anyone."

Spanish media reported that Real Madrid would seal a deal to sell Brazilian right back Cicinho to AS Roma for a fee of around eight million euros yesterday.

The 27-year-old signed for Real in December 2005 from Sao Paulo for 5 million euros. He tore the cruciate ligament in his right knee at the start of last season and made just seven appearances in the league.

• Fulham defender Chris Baird will captain Northern Ireland for their Euro 2008 qualifier against Liechtenstein in Belfast on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old, who has won 25 caps for his country, replaces Aaron Hughes who is out through injury.

Northern Ireland currently rank third in Group F having lost just one of six qualifiers played to date. They also still have a game in hand over Sweden and Spain who are in first and second place.