Former Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Hierro says Los Blancos can have a strong second half of the season and are contenders for both La Liga and the Champions League.
Real progressed through their group easily and await Monday morning’s draw for the last 16 while they are just four points off Barcelona in the domestic title. Despite this, doubts have been around all season about how far the club can go because of Rafa Benitez’ preference for defensive football.
The 4-0 loss at home to rivals Barcelona raised serious question marks, although Real have since responded with five wins in a row in all competitions.
And Hierro, who was assistant boss to Carlo Ancelotti last season, believes the 10-time Champions League winners will get stronger and stronger as the season progresses.
He told Sq.ca: “Rafa Benitez is a coach with a lot of experience, he has shown his worth in the English and Italian leagues and knows our club very well having coached the youth sides. He has everything necessary to deal with this challenge.”
And he added: “If there is a team in the world you can never write off it is Real Madrid. We have extraordinary players. There is still a long way to go in the league. Madrid can be a very dangerous team in the Champions League and they will fight till the end in the Spanish league as well.”
