EDDIE Howe revealed seeing a disappointed dressing room was all he needed to know that Cherries’ Real Madrid adventure had been a success.

Rather than seeing his charges revel in Ronaldo’s company or marvel in the magic of Higuain, Howe got exactly what he wanted when he returned to Dean Court’s inner sanctum following Cherries' 6-0 defeat to one of world football’s leading lights.

When asked about the mood among his players at full time, the Cherries chief said: “I think disappointment because no one wants to get beaten – we certainly don’t.

“We’ve got a team full of really good characters who aren’t used to losing so it is a horrible feeling no matter who you’re playing and that pleases me.

“I think that is a good sign and there are a lot of positives to take, especially from large spells of the first half, so we’re not downhearted, but disappointed.

“From our perspective we knew it was going to be very difficult. We played as we normally do at home and we didn’t want to change too much.

“We really wanted to test the players with our style of football and try, as much as we could, to take the game to them.

“For the first 20-25 minutes I thought we did that, until the first goal. After that the game changed slightly but it was a good experience for our lads.

“They’re the best players in the world but I thought their attitude to the game was excellent and they put a really good shift in for their club. Our lads need to look at that and use that as a marker.”

Despite the defeat, Howe hailed the occasion that epitomises the remarkable turnaround in Bournemouth’s fortunes.

Less than five years ago, Cherries were hit with a 17-point penalty prior to their League Two campaign with the prospect of non-league football looming large.

And with the club continuing on its upward trend, Howe even hinted at a longer term link-up with Real after complimentary comments from opposite number Carlo Ancelotti.

“It’s not every day you get Cristiano Ronaldo at Dean Court and I think that was something very special,” added Howe.

“Some great players have graced this stadium over the years, and that includes the old stadium of course, but the superstars of Real Madrid will be talked about for a long time.

“For those fans who endured the really tough days here, this was a special day.

“Hopefully we can build good links between the clubs. To have a compliment from an opposing manager is always nice, especially someone who has had the career he (Ancelotti) has had.

“We’re trying to build a good squad to compete in the Championship so who knows what the future holds, but they (Real) have been very good with us and relations between the two clubs have improved.

“You can’t have too many good relationships with people in foreign leagues and there may well be an opportunity (for loan players) at some stage.”

In his press briefing, Ancelotti had said: "They (Cherries) started really well in the game.

"They are a team that can have a good chance to have a very good season. I wish for this team to do well for the season.

"The atmosphere here was really good for us.

"I think we played with personality and it was a good game. Everyone gave their all."

Meanwhile, Howe hopes Brett Pitman’s tight hamstring won’t prevent him from starting the season after the star striker was withdrawn with less than half an hour played.

Howe added: “He just felt his hamstring tighten up, we’re hopeful it is not a pull. He is so important to us and we don’t want to lose him.”