Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs has paid tribute to goalkeeper David de Gea after his Champions League display against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

The former Atletico stopper returned to the Spanish capital and made a number of fine saves as United earned a 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of their last-16 clash.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson earlier stated that he thought the 22-year-old "was excellent", and Giggs has echoed his boss's thoughts.

"It's good for him to come back to Madrid and put in such a good performance," Giggs told BBC Sport.

"He is a top keeper and his shot stopping is second to none.

"He is maturing all the time and he has showed that. He has come to Madrid with a lot of pressure on him, being from Atletico, and he has produced the goods."

The return leg takes place on March 5 at Old Trafford.