Real Madrid full-back Marcelo insisted his side never doubted they would reach the Champions League final despite being rocked by two early goals in their semi-final second leg clash at Atletico.
Heading into the deciding game with a comfortable 3-0 lead, the holders were soon on the back-foot as goals from Saul Niguez and Antoine Griezmann threatened to turn the tie on its head, before Isco scored for Real to ensure their progression to the final.
Despite the early onslaught, Marcelo insisted his side were never afraid of letting the chance to become the first side to retain the Champions League slip away to their city rivals.
‘At no point were we afraid, we are Real Madrid and we always fight to the end with respect to our rivals,’ the Brazilian said.
‘We conceded two early goals which we would have liked to avoid, but we were ultimately superior.
‘We knew it was going to be difficult, but we managed to control the game thereafter.’
Marcelo was also full of praise for Karim Benzema, who showed quick feet and phenomenal skill to work the ball around three Atletico defenders and tee up Isco to find the net.
‘Benzema was pure magic, he’s a great player and we’re delighted with the pass that he made,’ he said.
Real now meet Italian giants Juventus in the final in Cardiff on June 3.
But before then they still have a chance to wrap up the La Liga title, with their next game at home to Sevilla on Sunday. Real are level on points with Barcelona, but have a game more to play as the season reaches the business end.
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