Share

Alli hails 'fantastic' win as Zidane denies 'crisis'

London - Dele Alli saluted Tottenham Hotspur's stunning 3-1 victory over Champions League holders Real Madrid on Wednesday as Zinedine Zidane insisted the Spanish giants were not a club in crisis.

England midfielder Alli scored twice, either side of half-time, and Christian Eriksen was also on target at a jubilant Wembley on Wednesday as Spurs claimed a famous win over the 12-time European champions.

It took Spurs into the last 16 with two games to spare and left Mauricio Pochettino's side three points clear of Madrid at the Group H summit.

"It was a fantastic display by us," Alli told BT Sport.

"We knew if we stuck to our game plan and were solid at the back then we'd get chances. We're very happy with the result.

"We don't want to just compete with these teams - we want to beat them. I'm happy to get two goals, but more importantly it was a win."

Spurs manager Pochettino echoed Alli's words and said the result would bolster the self-belief within his squad.

"I'm very proud of my players and I congratulate them. I'm so pleased for Dele and our fans," said the former Argentina defender.

"The victory is so important for us and the players. It's a win over Real so it's great for the club and fans.

"There's a long way to go until the end of the season. What's important is trying to achieve our challenge and target.

"Of course this win gives us great belief for everyone and confidence. We are now in the next stage of the Champions League."

It was another chastening result for Madrid hot on the heels of their shock defeat at Girona last weekend.

The Spanish giants are eight points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona and are yet to book their place in the Champions League last 16 with two group games left.

Asked if Madrid were in crisis, boss Zinedine Zidane said: "No. I don't think we're lost.

"Maybe we are missing the calm we normally have in front of goal.

"We are making chances and not taking them but for sure we will turn this situation around.

"When you lose two games in a row, your confidence can't be great but we have three or four days to rest and think about the next game."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE