Zidane wants Madrid to maintain level against Legia Warsaw

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has called on his players to maintain the level of performance they showed in Saturday's 6-1 win away to Betis when they face Legia Warsaw in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Legia are the weakest side in Madrid's qualifying group and have already lost to both Borussia Dortmund and Sporting Club de Portugal, conceding 8 goals and scoring none in the process.

Madrid fans may be expecting an easy night in the Santiago Bernabeu, but Zidane views things differently.

"We are playing in the same competition, so that means that we must be at a similar level," he said in his pre-game press conference.

"The game will be 50-50 and we will need to start well and make it difficult for them right from the start. If there is a difference between the sides, we have to show it on the pitch," he said.

Zidane confirmed midfielder James Rodriguez was available again after missing the Colombia's two recent international games though injury.

"He's fine, much better," said Zidane, who nevertheless advised Monday was the midfielder's "first training session with the whole team."

He also discussed midfielder Isco, who scored twice against Betis, insisting he was "an important player and one I like."

Finally Zidane was also asked about young forward Marcos Asensio and striker, Alvaro Morata, both of whom have had to take a secondary role in recent games.

The Madrid coach said he had "tried to explain the situation," to Asensio, adding, "he will get to play and all that matters is that he's ready."

Meanwhile he explained that Spain international Morata, who returned to the club from Juventus over the summer, "knows where he is and although he hasn't had played as much as he'd like to, he always delivers for us." Endit