Zinedine Zidane, coach of Real Madrid was full of praise for his side’s outstanding performance against Atlético, especially his hat trick striker, Cristiano Ronaldo, who he said ‘has got goals in him’.
Ronaldo, with 400 goals scored for Madrid, has now become the club’s all time leading scorer, in 389 appearances for club.
Zidane spoke after the match, which by the way is Madrid’s 300th win in European competitions. The result also brings the Whites closer to the Cardiff finals. But the Frenchman is not letting his guards down yet. He believes that much work still needs to be done in the return leg at the Calderon next Wednesday.
Here is what Zidane told the press:
“I’m not sure whether we’ve put in a better performance since I took over. We produced a great display and it was far from easy to go out and score three goals tonight. Our opening half an hour was fantastic and we had a lot of chances to have got a second, but we didn’t manage to do so until after the break. We’re very happy with our performance, the three goals and, above all, to have kept a clean sheet here at home. This was a great performance and perhaps our best yet”.
“Today we’re entitled to be happy and enjoy how we performed out there. There’s still a long way to go, both in LaLiga and the Champions League. We haven’t won anything yet. I don’t think that you could say that we’re in a state of euphoria. We’ll enjoy this one tonight and then rest up. Tomorrow we’ll turn our attention to what’s an important game on Saturday”.
The return leg
“Simeone(Atletico Coach) is right, there’s still a second leg to come. We managed the game very well tonight, we prepared well for it and were aware of our strengths and theirs. You could certainly say that we were the better side today. The 3-0 scoreline reflects what a good performance it was. However, there’s still the second leg and we’ll have to work hard and battle and we’re sure to have to dig in there. There’s no such thing as an easy game in football. We know that we’re going to have to perform just as well and put in a perfect performance if we’re to progress”.
Ronaldo’s performance levels
“I don’t know whether it’s all down to him being rested. He’s got goals in him and he’s unique. It’s important for him to rest from time to time and he knows that. I’m pleased because whenever a player comes off, whoever comes on does a great job, it’s impressive. We know exactly how we have to play. Today we went with Isco in the starting line-up, operating between the lines, and he did a marvellous job. Then, when we brought Lucas and Marco on, that gave a bit more balance defensively and offered us greater width down the flanks. I’m pleased with all of my players”.
The future
“I’m happy. Every day I’m enjoying my work with the players. However, we haven’t won anything yet and we need to be just as on it as we always are. I’m delighted that we’ve put in a great performance tonight. It’s far from easy to score three goals against tough opposition, but we’ve got to keep going”.
