Real Madrid determined to bounce back against Tottenham after Girona defeat, says Marcelo

Real Madrid defender Marcelo has warned Tottenham that the Spanish giants are always more motivated on big Champions League nights.

Like Spurs, Real come into tonight’s match on the back of a damaging domestic defeat after losing 2-1 at Catalan minnows Girona on Sunday - one of their worst results under coach Zinedine Zidane.

The defeat leaves the Spanish and European champions eight points adrift of La Liga front-runners Barcelona and increases the pressure on them to beat Spurs on their first visit to the new Wembley.

Although Real have lost twice in the league already this season, they are unbeaten in 30 Champions League group games, a run stretching back to October 2012.

​Marcelo, one of the few current players to have faced Spurs in the 2010-11 Champions League quarter-final, says the squad find it easier to play at their best in Europe.

“Perhaps it falls down to the motivation of each player,” said the left-back, when asked to explain Real’s superior form in Europe. “It is normal in the Champions League that we have very high motivation. But to win La Liga you have to perform all year round. It’s very difficult playing a match every three days and keeping a high level.

“We know supporters watching these matches and a lot of players around the world would love to play in them. Real Madrid have very important and successful history in the Champions League.

“Obviously, when you lose or draw it’s never good, we’re never happy. The dressing room is going through a bad moment in that sense. But we have a match coming up against Tottenham. We can’t think about that Girona defeat now. In fact, we can use that as motivation to bounce back and end the stumbling run we’ve had. We know we didn’t play well and now we have the chance to put that right.”

Harry Kane is not nailed on to start tonight following his hamstring strain, but Marcelo does not think Spurs are “the Harry Kane team”, despite last week’s back-to-back defeats without the England striker.

“Of course, Tottenham are more than just one player,” said the Brazilian. “It does not make a big difference for me. Harry Kane is a very important player but I’ve seen many matches where he does great things and I’ve also seen the team produce great things. It is important for us not to think just about him.”

Real and Spurs are level on seven points at the top of their group and Zidane also warned the hosts that he enjoys the added pressure of big European nights, saying his squad will take inspiration from the weekend defeat and the chance to play at Wembley.

“After a defeat, of course people aren’t happy, but in some ways I actually like this,” said the France legend, the first manager to win back-to-back Champions League titles.

“I like having the motivation of a big match so we can get back to winning ways. This is something that inspires me. When the going gets tough, I think I work my best. Life is like this, there are always hard moments, but you have to trust in the way you work and come back stronger.

“Wembley is a great stage for us to play on against really great opposition. This is something we like and a great arena. The players are very prepared. It is not without its complications in the build-up but we are prepared to go out and do our job.”

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