Paris Saint Germain were '10 times' better than Real Madrid: Angel di Maria
Former Real Madrid star Angel di Maria has stated that Paris Saint-Germain dominated the Spanish giants and were ‘10 times’ better than them in their Champions League group stage match at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night. Real Madrid edged past the Parisians 1-0 courtesy of defender Nacho first-half strike.
Though Real Madrid emerged victorious on the night, it was the visitors who looked the more lively. They dominated the possession and threatened on numerous occasions until the hosts opened the scoring somewhat against the run of play through Nacho’s 35th-minute strike.
But this failed to deter PSG as they kept the pressure on Madrid throughout. They struck the post twice and the bar once as Di Maria, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani all failed to score past Keylor Navas to secure a well-deserved equaliser.
Di Maria who left Madrid to join English giants Manchester United for a British record £59.7million in August 2014 was clearly frustrated with his team’s failure to come away from the Spanish capital with nothing to show for their troubles.
"We were ten times better than them tonight," said Di Maria.
"We played our best game of the season, but we made a mistake and they punished us. I'm still convinced we can do big things this season.
Di Maria playing his first match at the Bernabeu since leaving to join Manchester United after helping Madrid win their 10th European Cup in May 2014.
Real Madrid now sit at the top of Group A on 10 points from four games whereas PSG are in second place with seven points from four games after losing their first match in all competitions this season.
Di Maria was spectacular for us throughout: Blanc
However, PSG manager Laurent Blanc was quick to heap praise on the Argentine winger after his stellar performance against his former teammates at the Santiago Bernabeu. He was also disappointed with the manner his team conceded the eventual winner.
"He was spectacular tonight and was excellent in the last league game," said Blanc.
"He offered a lot going forward, but also defensively. What bothers me in that Real score with half a chance.
"We had so many opportunities, there was a bit of clumsiness but I'm sure that if we continue to create so many chances, this clumsiness will go away."