Although Real Madrid had an upper hand against Borrusia Dortmund and blew many chances with Marcelo being the main culprit, their coach Zinedine Zidane went on to praise them for giving all their best.
By Tendai Chisiri
“What we were looking to do was to do everything to go through as group winners. We did everything to have achieved that, but that’s how it goes. We won’t be dwelling on this. We finished second and we’ll find out our opponents on Monday. What the players are doing isn’t easy and they must be congratulated. We now have to rest up before Saturday’s game”, he said in a media room after the game.
He commended Benzim for scoring. “It’s important for any striker to score twice in a game. I’m happy with the work he’s put in and for the whole team performance. Karim was lucky enough that his teammates gave everything to pick him out when he was well placed”.
He added that every player played his part for them to finish on the top as runner ups. “The players have to be congratulated. They’re the ones out on the pitch, it’s them who run, fight and dig in. We also have to thank the fans, who always get behind the team and support us. They’ve got to take some credit for what the team is achieving”.
“I don’t think it’s very important for me to leave my mark. What interests me the most is to continue with this great run that we’re on. The idea is to continue because we are doing the right things, but there’s a long way to go”, he said.
“James had a great game and provided a good pass for Karim’s goal. He has worked hard and had a good game. I’m happy with how he played”, he told reporters.
He agreed that they had control of the game but as in football, you either win, lose or draw.
“We had the game under control, but that’s football. Seeing how the game ended has got me a bit angry. We had chances to score the third. I will analyse the match calmly, not in the heat of the moment”, he revealed.
Cristiano did not manage to convert a score but played well said Real Madrid coach.
“The Bernabéu is demanding, it has always been that way. Cristiano has worked hard and had chances. It will always happen and it will help everyone improve”.
Lucas the left back managed to keep a solid defense.
“Lucas always gives us a lot. He is playing very well and regularly. He has the ability to play and he does well, but every game is different”, commented Zinedine Zidane.
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