Real Madrid vs Dortmund - Victory and top spot in the group only thing on Zidane's mind - 7M sport

Real Madrid vs Dortmund - Victory and top spot in the group only thing on Zidane's mind



Posted Tuesday, December 06, 2016 by PA

Real Madrid can equal the longest unbeaten run in their history with a draw against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League - but manager Zinedine Zidane is thinking only of victory.

Zidane's side trail Dortmund by two points heading into their final group game and need a win to finish top of Group F.

It is 33 matches since Madrid last lost - to Wolfsburg in the first leg of the quarter-finals of the same competition in April - and should they make it 34 they would match a record set in 1998/89.

Zidane told a press conference reported on uefa.com: "It's a final. We want to win the game tomorrow. We're only thinking about winning. We're not going to look at or think about other things. We want to finish top of the group.

"We want to have the right mentality, intensity and will look for a quick, early goal. You have to highlight the side's work. Each player is very professional, all working very hard, experienced but still hungry.

"They've won a lot, but they still want to win more and more and this is good for me."

Zidane, meanwhile, staunchly defended striker Karim Benzema, who has been jeered by Real's fans for his performances.

"I'm not worried about Benzema at all," said the Real boss. "He can always give more but then everyone can.

"He's training well, playing well and there's games when we might need more from him but he's doing well."

Real certainly have reason to be confident for Wednesday's match, having won their last eight home Champions League games.

They go into the clash on the back of a 1-1 draw with Barcelona at the weekend that preserved their six-point lead at the top of the Primera Division.

Defender Sergio Ramos scored a 90th-minute equaliser, and he said: "Real Madrid always want to fight for the three competitions they're in.

"The Liga is very open. We're pleased with the point given the circumstances against Barcelona, but there's nothing over the top at all."

Ramos believes Zidane, who took over from Rafael Benitez in January, deserves much of the credit for Real's great run.

He said: "Zizou has that kind of magic that dazzles you. The dynamic of the group is going in the right direction and following a great line. We have a lot of harmony.

"He's more sympathetic than what we had before. His merit is there for all to see and we're happy. I'm happy he's in charge of the boat, we're working hard both physically and mentally."

Real have also been boosted by the availability of Toni Kroos for the first time in a month, with Gareth Bale their only injury absentee.

Dortmund, meanwhile, have seen Nuri Sahin and Mario Gotze join Sven Bender and Roman Burki on the sidelines this week.

A record is also within their sights, with one more goal enough to equal the most scored in the group stage. The current mark of 20 is held jointly by Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Dortmund have already made history with their last game, an 8-4 victory over Legia Warsaw, featuring the most goals in a Champions League fixture

Sporting director Michael Zorc said on the club website: "(Finishing top) would top off this outstanding opening round in the Champions League. It would be the icing on the cake."



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