Real Madrid win but fail to convince against Plzen

Lopetegui’s position in charge remains fragile

Under-pressure Real Madrid got back to winning ways against Viktoria Plzen in the Uefa Champions League, but were far from convincing. Julen Lopetegui’s days as Madrid coach still look numbered despite seeing the reigning European champions beat Plzen.

Lopetegui’s position in charge of Real remains fragile despite his side claiming a first win in six games by beating Viktoria Plzen 2-1.

Karim Benzema headed Madrid ahead early on, and Marcelo later doubled their lead before Patrik Hrosovsky scored for the Czech champions to set up a nervy finale.

Reports suggest Lopetegui may still not survive in the job until Sunday’s Clasico against Barcelona, but the result did at least keep Real level with Roma atop Group G.

“I am convinced I will be,” said Lopetegui when asked if he believed he would still be in charge against Barcelona.

Roma eased to a 3-0 win over CSKA Moscow, who had beaten Real in their last outing, with Edin Dzeko scoring a first-half brace before Cengiz Under sealed the points.

Meanwhile, Javi Martinez and Robert Lewandowski scored as Bayern Munich beat AEK Athens 2-0 in Greece.