Jose Mourinho could not hide his delight at Real Madrid’s 2-0 Champions League Group G home win over Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday and now wants his side to win the group and, in theory, ensure a kind draw for the knock-out phase.
Spanish league leaders Real made it a perfect three wins as two goals in as many minutes from Cristiano Ronaldo (13 minutes) and Mesut Ozil (14) clinched victory over Milan and the nine-time European champions are five points ahead of the Italians and Ajax in Group G with three games to play.
“We have nine points but we want to be first in the group so we have to try and win the next games,” said Mourinho.
“We have the next two games away before finishing off at home to Auxerre. If we can guarantee top spot before that final game it would be ideal. However, we can qualify with 10 points if we don’t lose at Milan.”
Real’s next two fixtures are away to Milan on November 11 and then against Ajax.
“It was a fantastic performance and I can only say congratulations to my players and hope the Real fans are happy with what they saw.
“After the Malaga game a few days ago the level of concentration here against Milan was really impressive,” Mourinho said.
Mourinho had faced Milan many times during his time with city rivals Inter and said his team had been well equipped for the challenge.
“We knew how Milan were going to play,” explained Mourinho.
“I know them well and we were prepared. However, I don’t care about what they did, what concerns me is the work and concentration levels my team showed.”
Ronaldo had a fine performance capped by his first Champions League goal – his fifth goal in his last three matches – and said Milan were lucky to escape with a 2-0 defeat.
“We knew they couldn’t handle us if we kept up a fierce tempo and that is what happened,” said Ronaldo.
“We have made it nine points which is what we wanted to do and now we are 75 per cent qualified.
“When we play against strong teams we are more concentrated.
“We had a great first half with a lot of one-two passes and only bad luck prevented us from scoring more goals.”