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Real Madrid coach Benitez turns deaf ears to fans' boos

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IANS MAdrid

Spanish giants Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez has played down the booing from the fans in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium that were directed at his side during a 1-0 win against French side Paris Saint Germain in a Champions League match.

The boos came on Tuesday night when Madrid needed a goal from defender Nacho Fernandez to assure their place in the last 16 of the tournament with two group matches to spare, reports Xinhua.

However, it was a very fortunate victory thanks to a lucky goal as PGS dominated Benitez's side in terms of possession and chances and were unlucky to see three shots rebound off the goal post.

 

The result will only confirm some people's opinion that while Benitez is an excellent organiser, who gets results away from home. But at home in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium where his side should dominate rivals, his style is at times too negative for the Madrid's fans.

"We've just played against PSG, one of Europe's big sides. I'm happy because we are through to the next round. We won and we knew how to suffer. We're top of the group without having conceded any goals," said Benitez after the match.

The Real Madrid coach the team's hard-fought win also showcased some positives for the team.

"That only gives more values to the result we got. We've played a good side and beaten them. The team knew how to suffer and work hard, we have improved," said Benitez, who nevertheless admitted the "team needs to keep improving."

"We have qualified and we have done so with players out injured," he insisted.

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First Published: Nov 04 2015 | 4:34 PM IST

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