Zinedine Zidane insists Real Madrid are well prepared for their Uefa Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain after warming up with a 5-2 demolition of Real Sociedad on Saturday in the Primera Liga.
Real host Ligue 1 leaders PSG in the first leg of their second-round European tie on Wednesday before travelling to the French capital for the return game just under three weeks later.
The Champions League represents Real's only realistic hope of silverware this season as they are still 16 points adrift of Primera Liga leaders Barcelona following Saturday's comfortable victory, which was earned by Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick and goals from Lucas Vazquez and Toni Kroos.
_______________
Read more
Zidane: It is a lie that I want to sell Isco from Real Madrid
Real Madrid will fight 'until the end', insists Zidane as title hopes fade after draw with Levante
Watch: Under pressure Zidane 'not thinking' about job security
Hindsight shows the mistakes made by Real Madrid and Zinedine Zidane
_______________
Head coach Zidane was content with the performance against Sociedad, particularly in the first half, and has quickly turned his attention to the midweek meeting with Unai Emery's men.
Zidane told his club's website: "We played the whole first part with intensity, determination and desire, and we got a good result at the break.
"They have been 45 minutes of great level, good game and chances and goals. We are satisfied.
"In this way we prepare (for) Wednesday's match very well.
"Now it's time to rest well and, starting tomorrow, think about the Champions League.
"We are all ready for Wednesday and that is the most important thing.
"It's going to be another match, in another competition and another extra motivation. We will be very motivated."
Real were 4-0 up at the break at the Bernabeu after a blistering first-half display, which included a goal in the first minute from Vazquez.
They eased off in the second period, although Ronaldo was able to complete his treble, in between goals for the visitors from substitute Jon Bautista and former Real midfielder Asier Illarramendi.
Zidane felt Portugal forward Ronaldo - who now counts 23 goals for the season in all competitions - gave PSG a timely reminder of his qualities.
"We know that he always wants to score and generate chances," Zidane said of the 33-year-old.
"Today he has scored three goals and it is true that PSG will have to be careful with him."
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
If you go:
The flights: Etihad, Emirates, British Airways and Virgin all fly from the UAE to London from Dh2,700 return, including taxes
The tours: The Tour for Muggles usually runs several times a day, lasts about two-and-a-half hours and costs £14 (Dh67)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is on now at the Palace Theatre. Tickets need booking significantly in advance
Entrance to the Harry Potter exhibition at the House of MinaLima is free
The hotel: The grand, 1909-built Strand Palace Hotel is in a handy location near the Theatre District and several of the key Harry Potter filming and inspiration sites. The family rooms are spacious, with sofa beds that can accommodate children, and wooden shutters that keep out the light at night. Rooms cost from £170 (Dh808).
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Eco%20Way%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20December%202023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ivan%20Kroshnyi%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Electric%20vehicles%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Bootstrapped%20with%20undisclosed%20funding.%20Looking%20to%20raise%20funds%20from%20outside%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
RESULTS
Argentina 4 Haiti 0
Peru 2 Scotland 0
Panama 0 Northern Ireland 0
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
Ant-Man and the Wasp
Director: Peyton Reed
Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas
Three stars
If you go
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Funchal via Lisbon, with a connecting flight with Air Portugal. Economy class returns cost from Dh3,845 return including taxes.
The trip
The WalkMe app can be downloaded from the usual sources. If you don’t fancy doing the trip yourself, then Explore offers an eight-day levada trails tour from Dh3,050, not including flights.
The hotel
There isn’t another hotel anywhere in Madeira that matches the history and luxury of the Belmond Reid's Palace in Funchal. Doubles from Dh1,400 per night including taxes.
THE BIO
Ambition: To create awareness among young about people with disabilities and make the world a more inclusive place
Job Title: Human resources administrator, Expo 2020 Dubai
First jobs: Co-ordinator with Magrudy Enterprises; HR coordinator at Jumeirah Group
Entrepreneur: Started his own graphic design business
Favourite singer: Avril Lavigne
Favourite travel destination: Germany and Saudi Arabia
Family: Six sisters
Traits of Chinese zodiac animals
Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
More from Neighbourhood Watch
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
