they are the favourites for their Champions League
semi-final against rivals Atletico Madrid, says
Fernando Sanz.
Real have beaten Atletico in two of the last three
Champions League finals and Zinedine Zidane's
men have taken four points from their two LaLiga
games this season.
But former defender Sanz, part of the Real side that
lifted the European trophy in 1997-98, suggested
Atletico have a greater chance over two legs, the
first of which is at Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday.
"If it were a single game, I'd say Real would be
favourites," Sanz told Omnisport. "In single games,
Real Madrid are way more powerful because of the
experience and also because they are used to that
kind of pressure.
"But being a two-legged fixture, I'm a bit worried.
In a single game fixture they are already tough, but
in a two-legged one, Atletico Madrid are way more
dangerous.
"Honestly, if Real Madrid are able to break the
solidity of Atletico at the back, they will have the
chances. Atletico are a very solid team, a compact
group. Real Madrid in Europe are doing things well.
In LaLiga they have also been strong offensively.
"Let's see what they are able to do when the game
comes. So regardless, Atletico are fearsome in
two-legged fixtures. I still think Real are the
favourites."
Zidane could become the first coach to retain
Europe's premier club trophy since AC
Milan's Arrigo Sacchi and Sanz hailed the
Frenchman's man-management skills.
"Common sense is the best phrase to describe
him," the 43-year-old said. "He knows what he
has, he uses a lot of psychology with the players.
He knows the exact role of each player and he
especially uses his assets - which are his players.
"That has allowed him to win the Champions
League and also the Club World Cup. He is close to
sealing the league title and once again he's in the
Champions League semi-finals. He managed to do
that all in just one and a half years."
Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to be the main threat for
Atletico to be wary of and Sanz suggested the
Portuguese star is coming into form at the right
time.
"The facts speak louder than words," he added. "In
the quarter-finals against a team like Bayern
Munich, which isn't playing like a team like
Videoton, he scored five goals.
"I think he's still got a lot to deliver."
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