'It is a final' - Zidane talks up importance of 'difficult' Inter game

Zinedine Zidane notes the merits of the upcoming opponents as his side aims to pick up three vital points from Tuesday’s Group B tie.

In what could be a deciding match for a place in the knockout stages for the two competing teams, Real Madrid welcome Inter Milan for the Champions League matchday 3 clash.

The hosts sit at rock-bottom in Group B, having picked up just a point so far after failing to win each of their opening two matches.

Having been held to a draw in both the games, the visitors are in a better position, though not by much, as they sit in third place.

Both teams will be desperate to collect all three points when they take to the pitch at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.

“We know our opponents and it’s complicated. They are a good team and very physical, and they play good football,” Zinedine Zidane said during Monday’s pre-match press conference.

“It’s another difficult game for us. It is a final.”

Luka Modric has been in fine form lately but has been in and out of the starting XI this term. But Zidane hints Modric, after starting and playing all 90 minutes in the 4-1 win over Huesca, could retain his place in the line-up.

“He’s important for us, I count on everyone. Luka knows that what he does, he does well,” the Real Madrid boss added.

“But as always for a coach, the hardest thing is to tell someone so strong what to do. He gives us energy.”