Mauricio Pochettino says matching Real Madrid at the Bernabeu is more important than a result after his Tottenham side held the Champions League holders to a 1-1 draw in Spain.
Spurs took the lead when, having endured early pressure from their hosts, summer signing Serge Aurier whipped a low cross towards Harry Kane – whose clever flick ricocheted off Raphael Varane and into Madrid’s net.
With minutes to go until the break, however, having been so impressive on the front foot Aurier was at fault as he brought Toni Kroos down in the box to hand Zinedine Zidane’s side a way back, Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up to take the spot-kick and the result was inevitable.
An impressive and disciplined second-half showing from Pochettino’s side saw the Argentine leave the Bernabeu with a first point – and goal – in eight attempts as a manager.
"The result is not the most important today," Pochettino told reporters. "Having competed with Real Madrid today is what makes me happiest.
"Our team is still a work in progress. It is important to get these boosts, last season we could not compete at this level in Champions League.
"This type of performance must help us to believe more, and to trust in ourselves, the way we play. We are still very young team"
Tottenham are now level on points, goals scored and conceded with Zindane’s side, though Pochettino knows this result is a step forward for his side ‘in construction’.
He added: "It was a big challenge for us, to come here and compete with Madrid at the Bernabeu. We now have the feeling we can do that.
"Not just tactics, mental level fundamental in game like this. We are still in construction, but we've taken step forward.
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"We still have three games left. We are in good position, although we know nothing is done until the end. But this point means a lot.”
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