Warsaw vs Real Madrid - Zidane urges focus from Real in behind-closed-doors Warsaw clash

Posted Wednesday, November 02, 2016 by PA

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane insists playing behind closed doors at the 31,800-capacity Wojska Polskiego Stadium will not change his team's approach to their Champions League Group F tie against Legia Warsaw.

During Legia's 6-0 home loss to Borussia Dortmund in September, there had been both crowd disturbances and incidents of racist behaviour, which led to UEFA ordering the severe sanction for their next European home fixture as well as a hefty 80,000 euros (B#72,000) fine.

There were also clashes between Spanish police and a section of Ultras from Legia sparking violence ahead of the reverse fixture at the Bernabeu on October 18, when Real ran out 5-1 winners.

While there will be no tickets sold for seats in the stands on Wednesday night, around 1,000 people will be at the stadium, including media, ground staff, police, guests of UEFA as well as club personnel.

Real have assigned part of their 275 allocation to club members who had made travel arrangements shortly after the draw for the group stage was made and ahead of UEFA's subsequent disciplinary ruling.

Zidane admits the atmosphere will be a little "different", but does not expect it to impact on his team's focus as they aim to secure a victory which could put them into the knockout stages should Dortmund also win at home against Sporting Lisbon.

"We know how important this game is and for my players, who are professionals, it doesn't change anything," Zidane said at a press conference.

"It will be a tough game against very strong opposition, who play good football and are capable of making life difficult for you at any given time.

"It will likely be a bit of a different game, with it being played behind closed doors, but it doesn't alter anything for us.

"We will have to be focused, and with it being a Champions League game, I don't think there will be any issues with the players' motivation.

"Our preparations for the game don't change at all. We will have to go out and be focused right from the off.

"It (stadium closed) doesn't give us any advantage, I prefer to always play in front of a crowd because that's what football is all about".

Real have several players unavailable, including Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Luka Modric, Marcelo and James Rodriguez.

Legia are the first Polish team to play in the Champions League in 20 years, having come through qualifying against Irish side Dundalk.

However, Legia have failed to make an impact, losing all three matches so far and conceding 13 goals.

Coach Jacek Magiera says the club are "shamed" not to be able to play such a glamour tie in front of their own passionate fans who had waited a long time for such a fixture.

"For us, the decision of UEFA is very difficult, but we have to accept it as a club," he told a press conference.

"We feel shame, it should not happen.

"Without the audience, it is like a game not in our stadium. The walls of the stadium is one thing, the soul of the stadium is another.

"I know that the fans will cheer out of the stadium, but it is not the same.

"We have great fans, they deserve to be able to cheer their team in Europe.

"I hope that in the next few years, Real will come (here) again, see the Wojska with full grandstands."