Three-time champions Spain have kick-started their Euro 2024 campaign with a thumping win over Croatia as they made a statement in Berlin on Saturday (June 15).

Winning 3-0 courtesy of first half strikes from skipper Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Carvajal, the La Roja will be targeting their record-breaking fourth title in Germany.

The win sees Spain top of Group B and will look to seal a place in the next round when they next take the field.

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The three-time European champions have often been accused of being toothless in attack during recent major tournaments, but produced an eye-catching display at the Olympiastadion to cut apart a disappointing Croatia.

Morata broke the deadlock in the 29th minute with his seventh Euros goal, moving joint-third on the all-time list alongside Alan Shearer and Antoine Griezmann.

Fabian Ruiz added a second shortly afterwards with a wonderful individual strike.

Yamal made his mark with the assist for Dani Carvajal to effectively kill the game as a contest on the stroke of half-time, while Croatia striker Bruno Petkovic missed a late penalty.

"Very happy with the win, for my (Euros) debut," Yamal told La 1.

"We've got confidence, we're a very efficient team and we're showing it. We're happy because all the work from the last few months has borne fruit."

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This repeat of last year's Nations League final, won by Spain on penalties after a 0-0 draw, suggests La Roja are capable of contending for a record-breaking fourth European Championship title.

World Cup semi-finalists Croatia, though, have it all to do if they are to reach the knockout phase for a fifth consecutive major tournament, with games against Albania and holders Italy to come in a difficult Group B.

Three-time champions Spain have kick-started their Euro 2024 campaign with a thumping win over Croatia as they made a statement in Berlin on Saturday (June 15). Winning 3-0 courtesy of first half strikes from skipper Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Carvajal, the La Roja will be targeting their record-breaking fourth title in Germany.

Three-time champions Spain have kick-started their Euro 2024 campaign with a thumping win over Croatia as they made a statement in Berlin on Saturday (June 15). Winning 3-0 courtesy of first half strikes from skipper Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Carvajal, the La Roja will be targeting their record-breaking fourth title in Germany. The win sees Spain top of Group B and will look to seal a place in the next round when they next take the field. 🇪🇸 Spain put on a show 👏#EURO2024 | #ESPCRO pic.twitter.com/cOGGDYf5nR — UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 15, 2024 × The three-time European champions have often been accused of being toothless in attack during recent major tournaments, but produced an eye-catching display at the Olympiastadion to cut apart a disappointing Croatia. Morata broke the deadlock in the 29th minute with his seventh Euros goal, moving joint-third on the all-time list alongside Alan Shearer and Antoine Griezmann. Fabian Ruiz added a second shortly afterwards with a wonderful individual strike. Yamal made his mark with the assist for Dani Carvajal to effectively kill the game as a contest on the stroke of half-time, while Croatia striker Bruno Petkovic missed a late penalty. "Very happy with the win, for my (Euros) debut," Yamal told La 1. "We've got confidence, we're a very efficient team and we're showing it. We're happy because all the work from the last few months has borne fruit." ALSO READ | Former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell breathes last at 54 This repeat of last year's Nations League final, won by Spain on penalties after a 0-0 draw, suggests La Roja are capable of contending for a record-breaking fourth European Championship title. World Cup semi-finalists Croatia, though, have it all to do if they are to reach the knockout phase for a fifth consecutive major tournament, with games against Albania and holders Italy to come in a difficult Group B.

Euro 2024: Morata, Carvajal help Spain thrash Croatia in Group B to kickstart campaign

Real Madrid are all set to land long-term target Kylian Mbappe in the summer transfer window after the striker confirmed his desire to leave Paris Saint-Germain in February. Mbappe, long linked to Real will possibly complete his move to the Spanish giants once the season gets over. It is expected that he will complete the move before the start of the Euro 2024, where he will be representing France. Speaking on the move, defender Dani Carvajal reckons the move will only make La Liga and Real Madrid better while there will be no disharmony in the camp.

<h2>Carvajal on Mbappe move</h2>

"It seems like it's a possibility that he could come at the end of the season," Carvajal told COPE radio on Tuesday.

"The best players have to play for Madrid, and he's one of the best."

"It would be good for La Liga, for [Spanish] football. If great players come to our league -- to our team, even better -- but [Robert] Lewandowski went to Barcelona, and he's a top player. It makes our league grow, our football is better and that's good for everyone."

It is expected that Mbappe will take a pay cut to make his move to the Madrid capital and will earn less compared to his current salary at PSG. He is even expected to take a salary lower than Jude Bellingham when the move materialises in the summer. However, he will be paid something in the region of $100 million as signing-on fees which will be one of the highest in the history of the sport. The fee could raise some eyebrows in the Los Blancos camp but Carvajal has dismissed such claims.

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"Jealousy, no," Carvajal said when asked if Mbappé's signing could spark a negative reaction from some teammates.

"It's down to those people who've been at the club longer to make sure that everyone pulls in the same direction in the dressing room,” Carvajal added.

While the long-term target remains to sign Mbappe, for the short term Real will look to clinch the La Liga and Champions League double as they face a tough run in the business end of the campaign. They will face Manchester City in the Champions League and potential tie against either Bayern Munich or Arsenal.

Real Madrid are all set to land long-term target Kylian Mbappe in the summer transfer window after the striker confirmed his desire to leave Paris Saint-Germain in February.

Real Madrid are all set to land long-term target Kylian Mbappe in the summer transfer window after the striker confirmed his desire to leave Paris Saint-Germain in February. Mbappe, long linked to Real will possibly complete his move to the Spanish giants once the season gets over. It is expected that he will complete the move before the start of the Euro 2024, where he will be representing France. Speaking on the move, defender Dani Carvajal reckons the move will only make La Liga and Real Madrid better while there will be no disharmony in the camp. Carvajal on Mbappe move "It seems like it's a possibility that he could come at the end of the season," Carvajal told COPE radio on Tuesday. "The best players have to play for Madrid, and he's one of the best." "It would be good for La Liga, for [Spanish] football. If great players come to our league -- to our team, even better -- but [Robert] Lewandowski went to Barcelona, and he's a top player. It makes our league grow, our football is better and that's good for everyone." It is expected that Mbappe will take a pay cut to make his move to the Madrid capital and will earn less compared to his current salary at PSG. He is even expected to take a salary lower than Jude Bellingham when the move materialises in the summer. However, he will be paid something in the region of $100 million as signing-on fees which will be one of the highest in the history of the sport. The fee could raise some eyebrows in the Los Blancos camp but Carvajal has dismissed such claims. ALSO READ | Police treating tennis star Aryna Sabalenka boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov's death as 'apparent suicide' "Jealousy, no," Carvajal said when asked if Mbappé's signing could spark a negative reaction from some teammates. "It's down to those people who've been at the club longer to make sure that everyone pulls in the same direction in the dressing room,” Carvajal added. While the long-term target remains to sign Mbappe, for the short term Real will look to clinch the La Liga and Champions League double as they face a tough run in the business end of the campaign. They will face Manchester City in the Champions League and potential tie against either Bayern Munich or Arsenal.

Kylian Mbappe transfer: Dani Carvajal dismisses talks of jealousy in Real Madrid camp ahead of big move

Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal has tested positive for COVID-19 while the team is in Saudi Arabia playing in the Spanish Super Cup, the club confirmed on Friday.

A Real Madrid spokesman told Reuters that the club is consulting the Saudi authorities to learn what procedures to follow. The club confirmed that the player had been vaccinated against COVID-19.

Saudi Arabia`s COVID-19 protocols determine that any person who tests positive has to quarantine for seven days and test negative twice before being cleared.

Real are set to face Athletic Bilbao in Sunday`s final, after beating rivals Barcelona 3-2 after extra time in the semis. 
Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales confirmed on Friday that there are unvaccinated players at the tournament. 
Reuters reported on Thursday that Saudi Arabia waived its requirement for visitors to be fully vaccinated to allow players from Spain to compete in the Spanish Super Cup on Saudi soil.

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"The Saudi government told us that exceptions were going to be made," Rubiales told Spanish radio station Cadena SER on Friday.

"We are being criticised for doing that but we would also be if eight or 10 players missed the tournament... In life, it doesn`t matter what you do, everything is going to be criticised. We are happy that Saudi Arabia understood our exceptions."

Full vaccination is mandatory to enter the kingdom according to guidelines on the government website. 
Yet, those exceptions were exposed when Brazil coach Tite announced on Thursday&nbsp;that he was leaving Atletico Madrid defender Renan Lodi out of his squad for the next two World Cup qualifiers because the player has not had a full course of COVID-19 vaccines.

Lodi entered Saudi Arabia on Tuesday and played against Athletic Bilbao later on Thursday in the tournament`s second semi-final. 
Rubiales defended the Spanish FA for moving the Super Cup to Saudi Arabia, which has been accused of human rights violations by Amnesty International.

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Saudi Arabia has no codified legal system and no laws regarding sexual orientation or gender identity. Judges have convicted people for "immorality", having sexual relations outside of marriage, and homosexual sex.

"We are a football federation that reached an agreement with another federation," Rubiales told SER.

"We have found a magnificent agreement for Spanish and Saudi football. I do not enter into criticism. When they criticise, they talk about politics, about things outside of football.

"There are many companies that work here. We are doing a service for Spanish football and we are also campaigning to host the World Cup so here is the right place to be."

Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal has tested positive for COVID-19 while the team is in Saudi Arabia playing in the Spanish Super Cup, the club confirmed on Friday.

Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal has tested positive for COVID-19 while the team is in Saudi Arabia playing in the Spanish Super Cup, the club confirmed on Friday. A Real Madrid spokesman told Reuters that the club is consulting the Saudi authorities to learn what procedures to follow. The club confirmed that the player had been vaccinated against COVID-19. Saudi Arabia`s COVID-19 protocols determine that any person who tests positive has to quarantine for seven days and test negative twice before being cleared. Real are set to face Athletic Bilbao in Sunday`s final, after beating rivals Barcelona 3-2 after extra time in the semis. Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales confirmed on Friday that there are unvaccinated players at the tournament. Reuters reported on Thursday that Saudi Arabia waived its requirement for visitors to be fully vaccinated to allow players from Spain to compete in the Spanish Super Cup on Saudi soil. Read Also | Liverpool frustrated by 10-man Arsenal in League Cup semi-final stalemate "The Saudi government told us that exceptions were going to be made," Rubiales told Spanish radio station Cadena SER on Friday. "We are being criticised for doing that but we would also be if eight or 10 players missed the tournament... In life, it doesn`t matter what you do, everything is going to be criticised. We are happy that Saudi Arabia understood our exceptions." Full vaccination is mandatory to enter the kingdom according to guidelines on the government website. Yet, those exceptions were exposed when Brazil coach Tite announced on Thursday that he was leaving Atletico Madrid defender Renan Lodi out of his squad for the next two World Cup qualifiers because the player has not had a full course of COVID-19 vaccines. Lodi entered Saudi Arabia on Tuesday and played against Athletic Bilbao later on Thursday in the tournament`s second semi-final. Rubiales defended the Spanish FA for moving the Super Cup to Saudi Arabia, which has been accused of human rights violations by Amnesty International. Read Also | EFL Cup: When and where to watch Liverpool vs Arsenal Carabao Cup semi-final encounter? Saudi Arabia has no codified legal system and no laws regarding sexual orientation or gender identity. Judges have convicted people for "immorality", having sexual relations outside of marriage, and homosexual sex. "We are a football federation that reached an agreement with another federation," Rubiales told SER. "We have found a magnificent agreement for Spanish and Saudi football. I do not enter into criticism. When they criticise, they talk about politics, about things outside of football. "There are many companies that work here. We are doing a service for Spanish football and we are also campaigning to host the World Cup so here is the right place to be."

Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal tests Covid positive in Saudi Arabia

Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal said he had never felt so awful after the triple Champions League holders were booted out of the competition with a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-told-me-to-knock-out-madrid-says-ajax-midfielder-de-jong-201424">humiliating 4-1 home defeat to Ajax Amsterdam</a> on Tuesday.

Real, who had won four of the last five editions of the competition, are almost certain to end the campaign empty-handed, having been knocked out of the Copa del Rey in the semi-finals by Barcelona last week and having fallen 12 points behind the Catalans in La Liga.

"I think I have never felt this awful, I do not know how to explain it," Carvajal said after Ajax completed a 5-3 aggregate victory.

"This week everything has gone against us. Tonight we cannot look for excuses. Our opponents were better and they deserved to go through. We have to show our faces and not hide, our season has been a piece of shit."

Real, whose captain Sergio Ramos was suspended after intentionally getting a yellow card in the first leg, conceded two early goals as Hakim Ziyech and David Neres scored for the rampant visitors, who had also dominated the first match despite losing.

The outstanding Dusan Tadic made it 3-0 with a thumping strike in the second half and although Marco Asensio pulled a goal back for Real, Lasse Schone made it 4-1 with a free kick which flummoxed goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Real coach Santiago Solari did not hide his disappointment at the defeat, which was Madrid's joint-heaviest home loss in European competition, but said the players should be remembered for their enormous Champions League achievements.

"These players were champions of Europe three years in a row, now they have been knocked out and it's a very sad moment which puts into perspective how difficult it is to win the European Cup," the Argentine said.

"We are sad and feeling hurt, our huge efforts were in vain. We feel so bad, an infinite number of things happened in this game."

Former Madrid player Solari, who became coach in October when Julen Lopetegui was sacked, is on thin ice after overseeing four consecutive home defeats but he ruled out resigning.

"I have not come here to give up, I am not considering anything like this," he said.

"I cannot evaluate my work. We are obliged to act like professionals, and tomorrow we have training."

Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal said he had never felt so awful after the triple Champions League holders were booted out of the competition with a humiliating 4-1 home defeat to Ajax Amsterdam on Tuesday.

Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal said he had never felt so awful after the triple Champions League holders were booted out of the competition with a humiliating 4-1 home defeat to Ajax Amsterdam on Tuesday. Real, who had won four of the last five editions of the competition, are almost certain to end the campaign empty-handed, having been knocked out of the Copa del Rey in the semi-finals by Barcelona last week and having fallen 12 points behind the Catalans in La Liga. "I think I have never felt this awful, I do not know how to explain it," Carvajal said after Ajax completed a 5-3 aggregate victory. "This week everything has gone against us. Tonight we cannot look for excuses. Our opponents were better and they deserved to go through. We have to show our faces and not hide, our season has been a piece of shit." Real, whose captain Sergio Ramos was suspended after intentionally getting a yellow card in the first leg, conceded two early goals as Hakim Ziyech and David Neres scored for the rampant visitors, who had also dominated the first match despite losing. The outstanding Dusan Tadic made it 3-0 with a thumping strike in the second half and although Marco Asensio pulled a goal back for Real, Lasse Schone made it 4-1 with a free kick which flummoxed goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Real coach Santiago Solari did not hide his disappointment at the defeat, which was Madrid's joint-heaviest home loss in European competition, but said the players should be remembered for their enormous Champions League achievements. "These players were champions of Europe three years in a row, now they have been knocked out and it's a very sad moment which puts into perspective how difficult it is to win the European Cup," the Argentine said. "We are sad and feeling hurt, our huge efforts were in vain. We feel so bad, an infinite number of things happened in this game." Former Madrid player Solari, who became coach in October when Julen Lopetegui was sacked, is on thin ice after overseeing four consecutive home defeats but he ruled out resigning. "I have not come here to give up, I am not considering anything like this," he said. "I cannot evaluate my work. We are obliged to act like professionals, and tomorrow we have training."

'Everything has gone against us', says Real Madrid's Carvajal

The current European Champions Real Madrid have been dealing with several 'real' problems of the club footballing world since the start of the 2018-19 season as their performance graph has dropped to an unexpected level.

The exit of Real's former coach Zinedine Zidane might have left the Madristas hanging by a thread. But the departure of Madrid talisman&nbsp;Cristiano Ronaldo&nbsp;to the Italian giant Juventus left a huge void in the squad.&nbsp;

Zidane's replacement, Julen Lopetegui, did not even lost halfway through the season before he was fired while not finding an appropriate replacement for Ronaldo further compounded the problems.&nbsp;

Due to the club's poor performances, especially after a 5-1 mauling by arch-rivals Barcelona in El Clasico, Lopetegui was sacked and former player and reserve team boss Santiago Solari was appointed as the interim coach.

During Lopetegui's 10 La Liga games in charge, Real won four, drew two and lost four.

Currently, the club is languishing at&nbsp;6th place but they definitely have adequate time to bounce back and mount a serious challenge for the title and book a berth in next year's Champions League.&nbsp;

The problems are evident and the solution or the 'instant remedy' lies on a player who lived under the shadows of Cristiano -- Gareth Bale.&nbsp;

In addition to that, a proper management will do the trick.

Bale is a player whom Zidane has repeatedly misused and left out of the starting line-up in a majority of games in his last season as manager. Bale spent 2,362 minutes on the field and scored 21 goals, few decisive ones in the last season.

So far in this season, Bale has played 1,089 minutes and scored five goals for the club.&nbsp;

The strained relationship between Bale and Zidane may have led to the Welshman looking for an exit but the latest trends suggest that this is the best opportunity for Bale to emerge as the hero leave a lasting impression.

The 29-year-old can show-off his creativity for which he is popular among the millennials, while Dani Carvajal, Marcelo and Raphael Varane are struggling with injuries while Luka Modric, who was magnificent during Croatia's World Cup campaign is yet to recover from fatigue.

Apart from much-criticised goal-scoring problems, which resulted in the club's downfall this season, the defence has been exposed which resulted in club conceding many goals.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Amid the coach-controversy, inexperienced Alvaro Odriozola, in for Dani Carvajal at right-back and Sergio Ramos' performances have escaped criticism.&nbsp;

However, Bale's efforts will never be enough to clinch the title. The huge void that Ronaldo left can be filled during the winter transfer by bringing in a cutting-edge finisher like the Portuguese.&nbsp;

If Real wants to sail through this difficult phase, Bale needs to step up and prove that he is capable of living up to the huge expectations of the club as he did in the in the last year Champions League final to beat Liverpool 3-1 by scoring twice.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The current European Champions Real Madrid have been dealing with several 'real' problems of the club footballing world since the start of the 2018-19 season as their performance graph has dropped to an unexpected level.

The current European Champions Real Madrid have been dealing with several 'real' problems of the club footballing world since the start of the 2018-19 season as their performance graph has dropped to an unexpected level. The exit of Real's former coach Zinedine Zidane might have left the Madristas hanging by a thread. But the departure of Madrid talisman Cristiano Ronaldo to the Italian giant Juventus left a huge void in the squad. Zidane's replacement, Julen Lopetegui, did not even lost halfway through the season before he was fired while not finding an appropriate replacement for Ronaldo further compounded the problems. Due to the club's poor performances, especially after a 5-1 mauling by arch-rivals Barcelona in El Clasico, Lopetegui was sacked and former player and reserve team boss Santiago Solari was appointed as the interim coach. During Lopetegui's 10 La Liga games in charge, Real won four, drew two and lost four. Currently, the club is languishing at 6th place but they definitely have adequate time to bounce back and mount a serious challenge for the title and book a berth in next year's Champions League. The problems are evident and the solution or the 'instant remedy' lies on a player who lived under the shadows of Cristiano -- Gareth Bale. In addition to that, a proper management will do the trick. Bale is a player whom Zidane has repeatedly misused and left out of the starting line-up in a majority of games in his last season as manager. Bale spent 2,362 minutes on the field and scored 21 goals, few decisive ones in the last season. So far in this season, Bale has played 1,089 minutes and scored five goals for the club. The strained relationship between Bale and Zidane may have led to the Welshman looking for an exit but the latest trends suggest that this is the best opportunity for Bale to emerge as the hero leave a lasting impression. The 29-year-old can show-off his creativity for which he is popular among the millennials, while Dani Carvajal, Marcelo and Raphael Varane are struggling with injuries while Luka Modric, who was magnificent during Croatia's World Cup campaign is yet to recover from fatigue. Apart from much-criticised goal-scoring problems, which resulted in the club's downfall this season, the defence has been exposed which resulted in club conceding many goals. Amid the coach-controversy, inexperienced Alvaro Odriozola, in for Dani Carvajal at right-back and Sergio Ramos' performances have escaped criticism. However, Bale's efforts will never be enough to clinch the title. The huge void that Ronaldo left can be filled during the winter transfer by bringing in a cutting-edge finisher like the Portuguese. If Real wants to sail through this difficult phase, Bale needs to step up and prove that he is capable of living up to the huge expectations of the club as he did in the in the last year Champions League final to beat Liverpool 3-1 by scoring twice. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Gareth Bale has solution to 'Real' problems but can he turn the tables

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane tried to hide his disappointment at missing the chance to close to gap on rivals Barcelona at the top of La Liga to six points on Saturday.

Madrid failed to capitalise on Barcelona&#39;s 2-2 draw at home to Celta Vigo earlier in the day as they played out a 0-0 stalemate at Athletic Bilbao to drop points for the sixth time in 14 La Liga games so far this season.

&quot;For me the most important thing is to keep thinking that we are going to have another opportunity throughout the course of the season to cut the gap,&quot; said Zidane.

That opportunity to cut the eight-point gap between the sides is most likely to come when Madrid host Barcelona in three weeks time.

However, Real could go into that match down in fifth in the table as they currently lead Sevilla only on goal difference in fourth and trail Valencia and Atletico Madrid.

Zidane`s men will also be depleted without captain Sergio Ramos, who saw his 24th career red card late on at Sam Mames, Dani Carvajal and Casemiro through suspension when Sevilla visit the Bernabeu next weekend.

And Real will play a game fewer in La Liga than their rivals before the end of the year as they jet off to contest the Club World Cup between the 13th and 16th of December.

&quot;At the moment there are three teams in front of us, but there are still six months left. We are at little behind, but there is a long way to go,&quot; added Zidane.

Zidane had shown his intent to pounce on Barca`s slip-up by naming his strongest available side as Gareth Bale once again missed out through injury.

Without the man from Cardiff, Madrid started with the same line-up that started the Champions League final in the Welsh capital six months ago.

However, Zidane insisted it is merely results and not the level of performance that has changed for Real since they swept Juventus aside to retain the Champions League and beat Barcelona to the La Liga title last season.

&quot;It is the result, nothing more. When I look at the game today, I can`t say we are playing worse,&quot; added the Frenchman.

&quot;What changes things are goals. That day we scored four against Juve and today we couldn`t score.

&quot;Last season we would score goals in the last minute and at the moment that isn`t happening.

&quot;We need to keep going and think that there will be better moments to come.&quot;

Madrid failed to capitalise on Barcelona's 2-2 draw at home to Celta Vigo earlier in the day as they played out a 0-0 stalemate at Athletic Bilbao to drop points for the sixth time in 14 La Liga games so far this season

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane tried to hide his disappointment at missing the chance to close to gap on rivals Barcelona at the top of La Liga to six points on Saturday. Madrid failed to capitalise on Barcelona's 2-2 draw at home to Celta Vigo earlier in the day as they played out a 0-0 stalemate at Athletic Bilbao to drop points for the sixth time in 14 La Liga games so far this season. "For me the most important thing is to keep thinking that we are going to have another opportunity throughout the course of the season to cut the gap," said Zidane. That opportunity to cut the eight-point gap between the sides is most likely to come when Madrid host Barcelona in three weeks time. However, Real could go into that match down in fifth in the table as they currently lead Sevilla only on goal difference in fourth and trail Valencia and Atletico Madrid. Zidane`s men will also be depleted without captain Sergio Ramos, who saw his 24th career red card late on at Sam Mames, Dani Carvajal and Casemiro through suspension when Sevilla visit the Bernabeu next weekend. And Real will play a game fewer in La Liga than their rivals before the end of the year as they jet off to contest the Club World Cup between the 13th and 16th of December. "At the moment there are three teams in front of us, but there are still six months left. We are at little behind, but there is a long way to go," added Zidane. Zidane had shown his intent to pounce on Barca`s slip-up by naming his strongest available side as Gareth Bale once again missed out through injury. Without the man from Cardiff, Madrid started with the same line-up that started the Champions League final in the Welsh capital six months ago. However, Zidane insisted it is merely results and not the level of performance that has changed for Real since they swept Juventus aside to retain the Champions League and beat Barcelona to the La Liga title last season. "It is the result, nothing more. When I look at the game today, I can`t say we are playing worse," added the Frenchman. "What changes things are goals. That day we scored four against Juve and today we couldn`t score. "Last season we would score goals in the last minute and at the moment that isn`t happening. "We need to keep going and think that there will be better moments to come."

Football: Madrid will get more chances to chase Barca says Zidane

Dani Carvajal could be banned for the Real Madrid&#39;s Champions League last 16 first leg after UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings against the right-back for &quot;receiving a yellow card on purpose&quot; during Tuesday&#39;s 6-0 rout of APOEL Nicosia.

The Spanish international picked up his third booking of the group stage, to trigger an automatic one-match ban, for time wasting in the 90th minute in Cyprus.

However, he will be hit with an extra game ban if found guilty of breaking article 15 of UEFA&#39;s disciplinary regulations when his case is heard on December 7.

Madrid has already secured their place in the last 16 behind Tottenham Hotspur in Group H with nothing riding on their final group game at home to Borussia Dortmund on December 6.

It is not the first time Madrid have been reprimanded by UEFA for provoking suspensions in the Champions League.

In 2010 Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos were charged for getting sent off in the final stages of a 4-0 win at Ajax to miss a meaningless match against Auxerre.

On that occasion, the pair escaped an extra ban but were fined 20,000 euros each and coach Jose Mourinho was handed a two-match suspended ban for orchestrating their dismissals.

UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings against the right-back for 'receiving a yellow card on purpose' during Tuesday's 6-0 rout of APOEL Nicosia

Dani Carvajal could be banned for the Real Madrid's Champions League last 16 first leg after UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings against the right-back for "receiving a yellow card on purpose" during Tuesday's 6-0 rout of APOEL Nicosia. The Spanish international picked up his third booking of the group stage, to trigger an automatic one-match ban, for time wasting in the 90th minute in Cyprus. However, he will be hit with an extra game ban if found guilty of breaking article 15 of UEFA's disciplinary regulations when his case is heard on December 7. Madrid has already secured their place in the last 16 behind Tottenham Hotspur in Group H with nothing riding on their final group game at home to Borussia Dortmund on December 6. It is not the first time Madrid have been reprimanded by UEFA for provoking suspensions in the Champions League. In 2010 Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos were charged for getting sent off in the final stages of a 4-0 win at Ajax to miss a meaningless match against Auxerre. On that occasion, the pair escaped an extra ban but were fined 20,000 euros each and coach Jose Mourinho was handed a two-match suspended ban for orchestrating their dismissals.

Champions League: Real's Carvajal charged by UEFA for 'deliberate booking'

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