Zinedine Zidane is expecting a “perfectly-even” encounter when Real Madrid face arch-rivals Atletico in the Champions League final later this month.
Los Blancos needed a deflected Gareth Bale goal in the second leg of their semi-final tie against Manchester City on Wednesday to set up a second all-Madrid final for the second time in three years, and Zidane paid tribute to his players as they “deserved this”.
“We suffered, we knew we’d have to,” the Coach said after the game, UEFA.com reports.
“In the end we’ve made it and we’re really happy. The players deserve this. The fans were with the players for the whole game and that always helps.
“Cristiano [Ronaldo] played like he always does, but everyone worked hard and that’s why we’re in the final.
“I’m delighted for what has happened. The final will be perfectly even, but now we’re going to enjoy this, it’s an important day.”
