Ivanovic, however, failed to surprise the defending champions. The team from Vitoria played very poorly, and the final difference may not reflect the real balance of power.
“Real Madrid was better, congratulations. We weren’t aggressive, patient enough to beat them. I told the players that this is only the first game, though. The way we performed, it wasn’t a way to beat the opponent.
Especially defensively, we weren’t at the level. Every game is different, we have to play differently. Real Madrid prepares their games very well. It’s not just Markus Howard who needs to play better, but everyone. Howard alone can’t beat Real Madrid, but he will play better, he has to,” emphasized Dusko Ivanovic.