Julen Lopetegui maintains Real Madrid were ‘clearly superior’ to Atletico and believes Sergio Ramos’ hamstrings ‘will thank me’ for resting him in the Derbi.
Madrid fell to a third straight game without a win on Saturday and did so without their captain in defence, but Lopetegui insisted his side were unlucky not to have come away with the victory.
“We try to face each match in the best possible way, we always try to win and we know that we’ll be playing at a great stadium against a great team on Tuesday,” said the Coach at a Press conference for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with CSKA Moscow.
“Champions League games always ask the maximum from you. The sensations on Saturday were positive, going from less to more, being clearly superior to Atletico and showing we had a great team.
“It’s a shame we didn’t score, but we’re working on creating the most chances we possibly can. The goals will come after that.
“I rested Ramos because he’d played 100-odd minutes more than any other player. His hamstrings will thank me for it.
“The difficulties we have with the players we have out are going to be addressed with the resources we have in the squad and from there, we’ll respond to CSKA.
“We don’t know if they’ll play with a back four or a back five, but their players have recovered and they’re one of the best teams in Russia.
“it’s a Champions League match and they’re never easy.”
