Høgmo sets sights on third place
Tuesday, November 1, 2005
Article summary
Rosenborg BK coach Per-Mathias Høgmo is looking forward to tackling Olympiacos CFP for a UEFA Cup spot after seeing Real Madrid CF progress in Trondheim.
Article body
Real Madrid CF progressed to the Round of 16 after an efficient 2-0 win at Rosenborg BK ensured passage beyond UEFA Champions League Group F. An own goal followed by a close-range Guti strike before half-time proved enough to send the visitors through with Olympique Lyonnais and leave Rosenborg in a battle with Olympiacos CFP for the UEFA Cup spot.
Per-Mathias Høgmo, Rosenborg coach
It was a match in which we did many correct things - we were able to put Real Madrid under pressure. They played very defensively to get a good result. We were a bit unlucky with the own goal, although compared with the match in Madrid we doubled our set-pieces but the positions in which we won them were not great. Our attacking at times was very, very good, particularly in the second half when we controlled the match but did not succeed in front of goal.
I am very happy with the players but not with the result. Our goal now is to fight for the third place with Olympiacos. We felt before the match we had a golden opportunity to take second place. I was happy to see that our players have the skills on an international level, which is good for the future. We have the players that can improve. I think the possibilities for the UEFA Cup in February and March are very good - we just have to clear our pitch of snow.
Vanderlei Luxemburgo, Madrid coach
It was a difficult game but we played well, especially in the first half. We did have some problems in the second half when Rosenborg put us under pressure. I felt we were in control, and we wouldn't lose at half time. The team are a bit tired, but this match was very important as it secured our progression to the next stage. I am very happy because the team has become one unit, and they all played for each other - turning around a difficult period into a good period.
The team's attitude pleased me, especially against the bigger Rosenborg players inside our penalty area. Rosenborg played as expected - a lot of long balls - but I had hoped for faster counterattacks from our team. We have showed tonight it is possible to play with a lot of different players.
