No shame in losing to Real, says Emery

'Perfect match'

Emery, like midfielder Adrien Rabiot, said the 3-1 loss in the first leg ultimately left his team with too much to do in the return.

Ronaldo was the hero of the tie for Real, once again shining on the European stage.

After his brace in the first leg at Santiago Bernabeu, his 51st-minute header at Parc des Princes effectively killed the tie.

Madrid marches on, still in contention to win the Champions League for the third season running.

"We played well right from the beginning, pressing high up the pitch," said coach Zinedine Zidane, who had been under pressure just a few weeks ago but has come out of this tie with his position strengthened.

"It was a perfect match. It is not easy to come and win here."

The quarterfinals in April await Real, keeping its season alive given the club trails La Liga leader Barcelona by 15 points and is and out of the Copa del Rey.

"It is true that we have had difficult moments during some league and cup matches, but that's part of football," said Zidane.

"Over the last two years these players have won so much, but it is difficult to maintain that level."

AFP