Champions League week 3:
Real Madrid won in Istanbul at Galatasaray 1-0 and grabbed their first win in the Champions League so far this season. It was a must win for the team and a relief for coach Zidane who has been under pressure so far.
Indeed a club like Real Madrid is obligated for results and the second stance for the French coach has been difficult. The three time Champions League winner as coach has had a tough start of the season. Lately he has been criticized and rumored to be sacked shortly.
A win in Turkey was indispensable to be able to work in a more tranquil environment. Real Madrid stand at the second place in the group behind untouchable PSG and will look to validate their away win when they host the Turkish team in a couple weeks.
Under Pressure
Real Madrid manager, Zidane comments on the win:
“I’m delighted for the whole team because there’s been a lot of criticism, it’s not an easy place to come to and we showed good character. It’s important to win when you play every three days and tonight we were focused right from the off. We made a really strong start, but they then created two chances. Those things happen. We made a really good start.
We created a lot of chances after some really good moves. I would have liked to have seen us get a second and even a third because that would have meant that the opposition would have eased off in terms of their pressing. At 1-0 they still believed they could level things up right until the end. But we were focused from the first minute until the last. We worked hard and were strong and that’s what got us the win.
That’s football. We’ve won a lot of things, but that’s in the past. I know where I am and what position I hold. The players responded very well tonight out on the pitch. They put in a lot of effort and we deserved the win”.
