Real
Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is hoping to avoid a return to Juventus in the
Champions League last 16 after the holders blew a two-goal lead to draw 2-2
against Borussia Dortmund and qualify second from Group F, AFP reports.
A double from Karim Benzema had Real well on course to
leapfrog the Germans into top spot, but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang halved
Dortmund’s deficit before teeing up Marco Reus for the equaliser two minutes
from time.
However, that late goal could well benefit Real as they
now can’t face the likes of Bayern Munich, Manchester City or PSG in Monday’s
draw.
Instead, one of Leicester City, Arsenal, Monaco, Juventus
or Napoli will stand in Real’s way come the new year.
Juventus for two reasons,” said Zidane, who joined Real
from the Italian giants for a world record fee in 2001, when asked who he wants
to avoid.
“I am very proud of the players and how they played
against a great team with good players.
“We needed to be a bit more attentive in the final 10
minutes.
“We have to forget about it and move on. Given what we
had done (in the group) until now it was logical that they finished top and us
second.”
A draw was enough, though, to extend Real’s unbeaten run
in all competitions since April to 34 games — matching a club record.
However, the Frenchman refused to take credit despite
inspiring a huge turnaround in fortunes for the Spanish giants since taking his
first senior managerial role in January.
“You have to congratulate the players. They are the ones
that are on the pitch, that have to fight and run,” he added.
“The fans too because they are always behind the team,
they are always cheering.
“And everyone around the club. The idea is to continue
what we are doing but there is still a long way to go.”
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