UEFA Champions League semi-final stage starts tonight, where the first clash will be between Madrid clubs.
The head coach of Madrid's "Real" Zinedine Zidane remained calm and did not consider his team as favorites to win this match at the press conference.
"We are not favorites," - Z. Zidane started the press conference with these words. - In this stage of the tournament, both teams have a 50-50 chance."
"Both teams know each other well. The competitive battle with "Atletico" has not changed since the days when I was a player myself. This is the capital derby, which promises intense and competitive competition.
Today we must play flawlessly. If we do that, we can expect something positive. Being in the semi-finals tells us we are on the right track, but we face new matches and a new opponent," - added the coach.
Madrid's "Atletico" coach Diego Simeone also spoke cautiously about the match. The Argentinian knows how dangerous the "Real" team can be in front of their own fans.
"I always feel some fear before approaching matches. I forget everything and focus on football, but I think it's normal. In those moments, you take on a great responsibility. No matter what game or opponent, you always feel this feeling.
"Real" will always be strong in front of their own fans. They have many tactical options - they can play with Isco, Asensio, or James. They will try to press us and take us out of the game. We have to be very careful and find gaps in defense that will help us score goals," - said D. Simeone.
The coach also spared no praise for his opponent Z. Zidane: "What Zidane is doing is incredible. Last January, he took over a team that was in a bad situation. However, he brought balance and fixed the atmosphere in the locker room. This is top level."
The first semi-final match between "Real" and "Atletico" will start today at "Santiago Bernabeu" stadium at 21:45 Lithuanian time.
