Ajax manager Martin Jol admitted it was men against boys as José Mourinho's Real Madrid handed his Dutch youngsters a 2-0 Champions League first round defeat.

Mourinho, who won the Champions League with Inter Milan at the Bernabeu in May, saw an own-goal from 21-year-old defender Vurnon Anita and a strike from Argentina international Gonzalo Higuain settle the one-side match.

But Jol believes that Real's greater experience proved crucial. “It was a match between a team of young players against experienced, international players," said Jol.

"They know how to play the ball and didn't allow us to develop our game. We need to have the ball. They had 30 shots at goal, they clearly dominated the game."

The victory gave Real three points in a group which also includes fellow former champions AC Milan and another clean sheet.

Mourinho contradicted the Ajax manager’s remarks by saying his team was just as young as Ajax and dismissed Jol's belief that greater experience was the key.

"No, it was children against children," he said. "Real Madrid is a team of children, not counting the likes of Carvalho, Casillas and Xabi Alonso.

"They are all 21, 22, 23... we played well, we pressed and didn't allow Ajax to play. This team is a work in progress."