Emilio Butragueno: Champions League draw could have been worse

Emilio Butragueno: Champions League draw could have been worse

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Real Madrid’s director of relations Emilio Butragueno has said the draw for the Champions League group stage could have been worse for Los Blancos but it will still be tricky.

The 10-time winners avoided the likes of Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Juventus but were pitted against French champions PSG. They face a long trip to Shakhtar Donesk and also play Swedish side Malmo.

Speaking to AS following the draw, the ex-striker said: “You can say, after each draw, it could have been better or it could have been worse. PSG have grown considerably in recent years. They’ve signed good players and have strengthened well. They’ve got a good XI and a good squad. It will be difficult.

“Shakhtar are used to playing the Champions League and they’re very talented. We have to take that into account when we’re away from home. Malmo eliminated Celtic, who are very competitive. When we play there will be a great influence. We have to finish first in the group because we know the knockout rounds are very dangerous. We’ll see the calendar and prepare well.”

Butragueno also added that the team would be looking forward to seeing a familiar face when the play PSG. Former winger Angel di Maria played a key role in helping Los Blancos to La Decima but now plays for the Paris outfit after failing to settle at Manchester United last season.

“Di Maria helped us a lot and there’ll be a lot of affection,” he commented.

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