Mourinho praises Madrid 'achievement'

José Mourinho believes Real Madrid CF's reward for taking risks away to AJ Auxerre was a victory which leaves them perfectly placed in Group G. Substitute Ángel Di María put his side top of the section with the only goal in the 81st minute, soon after team-mate Pepe had almost headed the ball into his own net – an incident on which the match turned according to home coach Jean Fernandez.

José Mourinho, Real Madrid coach
It was a very difficult game but then we knew it would be. It's always hard to play away from home against French teams and they were really up for it not having hosted Champions League football for some time; it was a big moment for them. Auxerre were well organised and looked very dangerous on the counterattack.

We did what we had to do well. We were well positioned on the field and even though it was an away game we took risks to win the match. We said to ourselves that taking six points from the opening two games was key and we've done that; to manage that in a group as difficult as ours is a good achievement. The other result tonight [AFC Ajax 1-1 AC Milan] makes things even better for us as we know if we win our next game at home to Milan it will give us a great advantage at the top of the standings.

Jean Fernandez, Auxerre coach
We were chasing the ball in the first half but were better in the second when we created some good opportunities. We conceded at a time when we were comfortable. Looking at the whole game I think we deserved a draw.

Our main regret is the header on to the post from their defender. A goal at that time would have changed the match and we could have taken the game to Real Madrid and maybe even beat them. From both our match in Milan and tonight we were close to bringing something home but we still have a chance in the Champions League.