Zidane hails ‘perfect performance’ for Madrid after 3-1 away win at Dortmund

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane hailed a “perfect performance” after both Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the scoresheet in Tuesday evening’s 3-1 Champions League Group H win at Borussia Dortmund.

After Madrid captain Sergio Ramos was fortunate to get away with an apparent handball in his own area, Bale sidefooted a fine goal from 15 yards to open the scoring.

Soon after half-time, Bale’s left-wing cross was then finished expertly by Ronaldo, who marked his 400th game for Madrid with his 410th goal for the club.

But Dortmund were quickly back in it as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang knocked home from close range, and the result was in doubt right up until Ronaldo hammered past Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Burki at his near post with 10 minutes remaining.

Zidane told his postmatch news conference that Real had started well and, although Dortmund had caused them problems, he was very happy with the overall performance.

“The truth is it was perfect,” Zidane said. “We played a great game from start to finish. We started the game spectacularly against a rival who can make it difficult for you. The key was to keep possession and to press well. We had some tough moments in the second half, but I am very proud of what the players did. Playing with authority was the key today.”

Both Ronaldo and Bale had been questioned as Madrid missed chances and dropped points in La Liga recently, but Zidane said he was happy that both were back on the scoresheet.

“I am happy for Cristiano again, as there is always talk of problems when he doesn’t score,” he said. “I am also happy for Gareth as the goal will be very good for him. Today we saw Gareth in very good form, playing like that and scoring too.

“In every game we see he is returning to how he was before. He was up front in our shape, but naturally drifted to the left, where he can be lethal.”

Bale was substituted late on raising fears the Wales winger had suffered a 17th injury in just over four years at the club. “[Gareth] felt something small in his calf, but it was nothing important,” Zidane said.