Zinedine Zidane dismisses Champions League distractions

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has rubbished claims that his players were distracted by the Champions League during their 3-2 win over Levante.

Los Blancos stormed into a 3-0 first half lead, but allowed Paco Lopez's side back into the game after the break and ended the tie on the back foot as the visitors pushed for a draw at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, the Frenchman insisted the spectre of beginning their Champions League campaign this week was not on the players minds.

"We are not thinking about the Champions League.

"Today, our focus was on Levante, and nothing more.

"We know what we have to do to improve, and that means playing well for longer periods in games.

"We know we have the ability to score goals, but we must defend better."

Zidane also confirmed he has injury concerns ahead of their opening Champions League game away at Paris Saint-Germain on September 18th, with Casemiro and Sergio Ramos both withdrawn against Levante.

Both players will be assessed in the coming days, although Zidane is likely to bring Eden Hazard into the starting team, following his club debut from the bench against Paco Lopez's side.

Tags Eden Hazard Karim Benzema Paris Saint-Germain PSG Zinedine Zidane
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