Real Madrid vs Dortmund Optimistic for last-16 success

Whilst victory over Borussia Dortmund sees Real Madrid end the group phase on a positive note, it is difficult to get away from the problems that have plagued Los Blancos' 2017/18; however Zinedine Zidane remains convinced that things will turn out well.

The French coach has done an incredible job of remaining positive in the face of criticism this term and this must trickle down to the players and keep their spirits up.

"I am convinced that by February, we'll be fine," he explained in his post-match press conference.

"After the break, we'll be okay; we are looking forward to the draw on Monday even though a difficult opponent is coming.

"I don't care what team we play, this doesn't take place until February."

Despite his upbeat mood, problems continue to mount up for the former Juventus midfielder as Raphael Varane was forced off through injury on Wednesday.

The defender has struggled through many injuries in the past and thi is a further setback, although the full extent is not yet known by the coach.

"He has hurt himself and we have to wait the scan results that will come tomorrow," Zidane intimated.

"He doesn't think it's a serious problem, but he is definitely out for Saturday.

"We will find a solution. Marcos Llorente can play there, he has done it before."

The manner in which injuries have decimated Los Blancos' LaLiga campaign in the first half of the season has been damning, as such it is expected that the club will be busy in the January transfer market, something which Zidane feels is a possibility.

"There is a possibility we will do business," he confirmed. "From January 1 to January 31, we can sign players.

"We'll have to see what happens, we have this opportunity every year and we always take stock and see what's possible."

Keylor Navas continued his return to action following an injury layoff; however speculation surrounding the possible signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga in January has ensured the Costa Rican's future remains an issue for some.

"Keylor is back and I think he played well," he admitted. "As I always say, the players can always give more.

"Regarding signings, I have two goalkeepers and I'm very happy with both of them."

With progression to the knockout stage assured, the road to the Kyiv begins in earnest as the Spanish giants face up to perhaps winning a third successive European crown, although the Frenchman made clear his team are far away from the requisite level to achieve such a feat.

"We're very far from that, I don't even think about it as a possibility," he admitted.

"The important thing was to get through to the knockout stage, we've done that.

"Now we have to focus on LaLiga and the Club World Cup, there is plenty of time for the Champions League."

Borussia Dortmund's visit was always going to produce an entertaining match given their attacking style; the fans at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu were not left disappointed by a dramatic 3-2 victory for the hosts, although Zidane feels the enforced defensive switches hindered his side.

"We started the match very well and scored two good goals," he stated.

"Then with Varane's injury we had problems. The last half hour was good, putting Lucas back in his best position was key."