Butragueno hails Real Madrid´s season

Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueno says the club are still enjoying an ‘exceptional season’ despite their Champions League exit.

The Liga leaders defeated Bayern Munich 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu in the second leg of their semi-final on Wednesday after losing the away game by the same score.

But Bayern eventually booked their ticket for the final when they overcame Real 3-1 in the penalty shoot-out.

Despite the disappointment, Butragueno said the club was still having an excellent campaign.

“The team are having an exceptional season,” he told the Real website.

“Our numbers in La Liga are incredible and we’ve gone very far in the Champions League, which is expected of us. We cannot ask our players to do more.

“The team tried everything to reach the final and we’re proud of our players. We faced a team with great character that managed to recover quickly from conceding two goals in the first half. We also improved but were unable to break their defensive line.

“Exhaustion was noticeable on both sides. Penalty shoot-outs are unpredictable and often won by the most inspired side.”

Real Madrid return to La Liga action on Sunday when they welcome Sevilla to the Bernabeu.