Zinedine Zidane insists Real Madrid are well prepared for their Champions League clash with Paris St Germain after warming up with a 5-2 demolition of Real Sociedad.
Real host Ligue 1 leaders PSG in the first leg of their second-round European tie on Wednesday before travelling to the French capital for the return game just under three weeks later.
The Champions League represents Real’s only realistic hope of silverware this season as they are still 16 points adrift of La Liga leaders Barcelona following Saturday’s comfortable victory, which was earned by Cristiano Ronaldo‘s hat-trick and goals from Lucas Vazquez and Toni Kroos.
Head coach Zidane was content with the performance against Sociedad, particularly in the first half, and has quickly turned his attention to the midweek meeting with Unai Emery’s men.
Zidane told his club’s official website: “We played the whole first part with intensity, determination and desire, and we got a good result at the break.
“They have been 45 minutes of great level, good game and chances and goals. We are satisfied.
“In this way we prepare (for) Wednesday’s match very well.
“Now it’s time to rest well and, starting tomorrow, think about the Champions League.
“We are all ready for Wednesday and that is the most important thing.
“It’s going to be another match, in another competition and another extra motivation. We will be very motivated.”
π FT: #RealMadrid 5-2 @RealSociedadEN (@Lucasvazquez91 1′, @Cristiano 27′, 37′, 80′, @ToniKroos 34′; Bautista 74′, Illarramendi 83′).#Emirates pic.twitter.com/jFAVYL0kvw
β Real Madrid C.F.πΊπΈπ¬π§ (@realmadriden) February 10, 2018
Real were 4-0 up at the break at the Bernabeu after a blistering first-half display, which included a goal in the first minute from Vazquez.
They eased off in the second period, although Ronaldo was able to complete his treble, in between goals for the visitors from substitute Jon Bautista and former Real midfielder Asier Illarramendi.
Zidane felt Portugal forward Ronaldo – who now counts 23 goals for the season in all competitions – gave PSG a timely reminder of his qualities.
“We know that he always wants to score and generate chances,” Zidane said of the 33-year-old.
“Today he has scored three goals and it is true that PSG will have to be careful with him.”
