Mauricio Pochettino claimed Tottenham’s brilliant victory over Real Madrid has proved they belong among Europe’s elite.

Tottenham hero Dele Alli scored twice and inspired a memorable win over the Champions League holders to show they can win major silverware this season.

Spurs boss Pochettino said: “We’re able to compete now with the biggest teams on a physical and mental level and this is preparing very well for what’s coming in the future and in particular in order for us to achieve the goals we have.

“Those goals are always to win and win big competitions. This is what we dream of. If we get there this year — whether we do or don’t that remains to be seen but we’re certainly moving in the right direction.

"I'm very proud of my players and I congratulate them. 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.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino (
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Action Images via Reuters)
Tottenham's players celebrate (
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AFP)
A memorable night for Spurs (
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Action Images via Reuters)

"Of course this win gives us great belief for everyone and confidence. We are now in the next stage of the Champions League.”

Pochettino also praised Alli - who was back after a three game Euro ban - and he scored in either half to pile the pressure on Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.

"I told you yesterday that Dele was coming,” said Pochettino. “I think it was a great opportunity for him to show his quality. Fantastic opportunity against Real Madrid at Wembley. His debut tonight in the competition.

Pochettino shakes hands with Zinedine Zidane (
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Getty Images Europe)
Dele Alli celebrates with Kieran Trippier (
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PA)

“It was a big motivation for him to play and then he scored twice, but needed to score a hat-trick in the second half. Fantastic to feel that it’s coming. Start to feel that he’s getting better and better everyday. We need him to be his best and try to help the team to achieve the things we want to achieve.

Alli added: "It was a fantastic display by us. We knew if we stuck to our gameplan and were solid at back then we'd get chances. We're very happy with the result.

“I wasn't surprised [we were dominant]. We couldn't believe how much space we had at the Bernabeu. We don't want to just compete with these teams we want to beat them. I'm happy to get two goals but more importantly it was a win.

Tottenham's Dele Alli celebrates (
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Action Images via Reuters)
Christian Eriksen celebrates (
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Action Images via Reuters)
Real Madrid players appear dejected (
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PA)

“Growing up as a young boy you want to be playing in nights like these and to get the win was a fantastic moment for me. I know the quality Kieran has got - he stuck it right on my head and I don’t know how I missed it [on the late chance]. I’ll have to take the two goals and be happy with that!

“When the draw got announced, it looked like a very tough draw but we said from the start we don’t want to be competing against these teams, we want to be winning.

“We put ourselves up there. We want to be playing against the best team in the world and making statements like we have tonight. We’ve got to build on this and go into the next game looking forward.”

Ronaldo shows the pain after the 3-1 defeat at Wembley (
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Action Images via Reuters)
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane must be fearing for his future (
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AFP)

Zidane is now under mounting pressure after a devastating defeat on top of their bad start in La LIga which leaves them eight points behind leaders Barcelona.

Zidane said: “I'm not worried and never will be with what happens on the pitch this season. We will do the analysis, but ultimately we came up against the better team on the night.

“You have to accept sometimes that things don't go your way. It's an unhappy dressing room. What's important is that we know how to change this and stay faithful to what we are doing. Any team can win the Champions League and Tottenham are certainly one of them.”

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