Mauricio Pochettino hails Dele Alli, Zinedine Zidane denies Real Madrid crisis

MAURICIO POCHETTINO reserved special praise for Dele Alli after Tottenham’s 3-1 win over Real Madrid last night at Wembley in the Champions League.

Dele Alli celebrates scoring against Real Madrid with Harry Winks and Kieran TrippierGETTY

Dele Alli

Tottenham had never beaten their illustrious Spanish opponents in Europe’s elite competition, but they defied the odds spectacularly.

Alli popped up with a double, while Christian Eriksen scored the other as Spurs secured qualification for the knockout stages.

And Pochettino admitted he knew Alli would produce a big performance after his subdued start to the campaign.

He said: “I'm very proud of my players and I congratulate them.

“I’m so pleased for Dele and our fans.

Dele Alli hilariously slams 'bitter' Arsenal fan in mean tweet video

I told you yesterday that Dele was coming. It's important for him - his debut in the Champions League

Mauricio Pochettino

“The victory is so important for us and the players. It's a win over Real so it's great for the club and fans. 

“There's a long way to go until the end of the season. What's important is trying to achieve our challenge and target.

“I told you yesterday that Dele was coming. It's important for him - his debut in the Champions League this season. It's important he felt good.”

Pochettino also admitted he was sad to see Toby Alderweireld, who was replaced by Moussa Sissoko in the first-half, come off with a suspected hamstring injury.

He added: “I feel a little bad for Toby [Aldeweireld] we have to assess it [his injury]."

Real however, appear to be in crisis mode after two defeats in the space of four days and they aren’t guaranteed to qualify from Group H as winners.

Real Madrid boss Zinedine ZidaneGETTY

Zinedine Zidane denies there is a rift at Real Madrid

But Zinedine Zidane is adamant there isn’t unrest in the dressing room.

He said: “We are not in crisis.

“We did not create too many chances, they play better but we did not have a bad game, we had three or four opportunities to draw level and did not take them.”

When quizzed whether his side are anxious after their past two results, Zidane provided a prickly reply, adding: “You always ask me the same thing.

“I’m not worried and I'm never going to be whatever happens. We played against a better team.

“Tonight they were better than us and we have to accept it. No need to review it again.”

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