Real seal last 16 spot as Nacho strike sinks PSG
Real Madrid's Nacho celebrates scoring their first goal with Cristiano Ronaldo during the Champions League Group A match against Paris St Germain at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Nov 3, 2015. [Photo/Agencies] |
Real Madrid booked a place in the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday after substitute Nacho Fernandez scored late in the first half to clinch a 1-0 win in a tight game with Paris Saint Germain at the Bernabeu.
The 25-year-old defender had been on the pitch for less than three minutes when he slotted home from a tight angle against the run of play after Toni Kroos's shot was blocked in the 35th.
PSG will rue their poor finishing as they missed several chances, especially in the first period when Adrien Rabiot's volley hit the post after 37 minutes.
Former-Real player Angel Di Maria also struck the woodwork late on with a free-kick for the visitors.
"It was not a comfortable game for us at all," Real defender Sergio Ramos told reporters.
"It was a difficult game and it has given us a lot to think about. We played a lot better away in Paris where we could only draw. We were up against a strong side with good players who had a lot of possession and created chances."
Real have 10 points from four games in Group A while PSG, who suffered their first defeat in all competitions this season, are second with seven. Shakhtar Donetsk beat visiting Malmo 4-0 in the other group match with both teams now on three points.