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Benitez turns deaf ears to boos as Real Madrid qualify

Xinhua, November 4, 2015 Adjust font size:

Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez has played down the boos and whistles from a sector of the crowd in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium which were directed at his side.

   The boos came as Real Madrid defeated Paris Saint Germain 1-0 on Tuesday night thanks to a Nacho Fernandez goal to assure their place in the last 16 of the Champions League with two group matches to spare.

   However, it was a very fortunate victory thanks to a lucky, all be it well taken, goal as PGS dominated Benitez's side in terms of football, possession and chances and were unlucky to see three shots come back off the Madrid woodwork.

   The result will only confirm some people's opinion that while Benitez is an excellent organizer, who gets results away from home, in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium where his side should dominate rivals, his style is at times too negative for Real Madrid's fans.

   "We've just played against PSG, one of Europe's big sides. I'm happy because we are through to the next round. We won and we knew how to suffer. We're top of the group without having conceded any goals," said Benitez after the match.

   The Real Madrid boss even looked for virtue in taking a point against a side which had outplayed his team.

   "That only gives more values to the result we got. We've played a good side and beaten them. The team knew how to suffer and work hard, we have improved," said Benitez, who nevertheless admitted the "team needs to keep improving."

   "We have qualified and we have done so with players out injured," he insisted. Endi