Benzema and Ramos happy with Madrid efforts
Thursday, April 24, 2014
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Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema told UEFA.com that although a big test awaits in Munich next Tuesday, Real Madrid CF's chances of reaching the final looked good.
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Emerging weary but happy after their UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg efforts in beating holders FC Bayern München 1-0, Sergio Ramos and goalscoring Player Rater winner Karim Benzema told UEFA.com things were looking promising for the nine-time champions as they seek to reach a first final since 2002 next Tuesday.
Karim Benzema, Madrid forward
It was a special night. Bayern are a great team but we played a very good game and we won. We had three brilliant chances in the first half and while they had just one. The important thing tonight was for was to win and now we will look to continue [in this form] for the second leg. Today I managed to score and I am very happy for having done so as it was great for the entire team.
We were good going forward and in defence. We grouped together and broke out to attack like always. It was especially important that we play that way against Bayern. We will now look to rest, there is a Liga game coming up and after that, the return leg, which is going to be just as difficult as tonight. Having said that, we are confident we can win.
Sergio Ramos, Madrid defender
We are really satisfied with the work we put in tonight. It was a huge effort; intense and wearing but we are leaving here pleased. The margin of victory might not be great but this result does stand to us. The tie is still open. There are 90 hard minutes still to play in Munich but I think Madrid are on the right path, respecting our rivals and doing things as we have been doing.
It was a very complete performance from us defensively tonight. It's good from our point of view that we haven't conceded. Let's hope we can keep it like that until the end of the tournament. We now have time to prepare and to think about the return leg. It looks like we will have to go [for the win] over there because if not, we will pay.
We are very appreciative of our fans tonight. It's clear that when they are behind us, it's like having one more player. They give us wings and the team will always be grateful to them. They generated an incredible experience for everyone. It reflects what this club is all about and is why it is the best club in the world.
