<
>

Real Madrid's Lucas Vazquez on UCL draw: 'We are the bogeyman'

Lucas Vazquez says Real Madrid remain the team to fear in next week's Champions League draw despite the Spanish giants finishing second in their group.

Reigning European champions Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund 3-2 at home on Wednesday and progressed as runners-up in Group H behind Tottenham.

The Champions League holders will find out in Monday's draw in Nyon who their next opponents will be.

Vazquez, who scored Madrid's winner against Dortmund in the 81st minute, told Cadena Ser: "In the Champions [League], we are the bogeyman. It's very clear. Last year we went through as second in our group and it was not a problem.

"We will follow this year's draw with lots of enthusiasm and eager to know who our rival will be."

Madrid were drawn with Napoli last season in the round of 16 and progressed 6-2 on aggregate en route to making European history after becoming the first team to win back-to-back Champions League titles.

Asked about potential opponents, Spain winger Vazquez said: "We have no preference. In order to win the Champions [League], you have to beat the best, so let's go and get them."

The only negative of Wednesday's game was losing defender Raphael Varane to injury for the third time this season.

Varane was forced off the pitch in the 38th minute with a left thigh muscular problem and will undergo an MRI on Thursday.

Zidane did not have defender Jesus Vallejo available against Dortmund after the player sustained a minor muscular problem in training.

Asked about an update on Varane and Vallejo's condition, Zidane said after the game: "Varane's hurt himself and tomorrow he'll go for a scan. He has said that it's nothing major, but we'll have to wait and see. He won't be fit for Saturday, that's for sure.

"As for Vallejo, we'll have to see how he gets on. It's nothing serious but we'll have to take a look at him."

Zidane put on a brave face despite facing a defensive dilemma for Saturday's home league game against Sevilla, with Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos and Casemiro all suspended this weekend.

"We'll find the solution to put a team together for Saturday," Zidane said.

"[Marcos] Llorente has played in that position [central defender] in the past and it's a role he knows well. We'll wait and see."

Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez, who started on Wednesday, believes his side can overcome those absences.

He told Onda Cero: "The coach has alternatives to face Sevilla with guarantees. Obviously, we are hindered in defence but we are ready to take on Sevilla.

"It's bad luck for Varane and it doesn't come at the right time with so many players suspended, but we need to be calm. We have two days to prepare, the coach will come up with solutions and between all of us we will get the job done.

"We hope Vallejo recovers in time. He had a minor problem but we shall see how he is tomorrow."

Madrid head into this weekend's game fourth in La Liga, eight points adrift of league leaders Barcelona after 14 games played.