Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos said his team "knew how to suffer" and pulled together to get a 2-1 Champions League semifinal first-leg win at Bayern Munich.
Speaking on the final whistle to BeINsport, the Blancos skipper said his side to battle to take a big step towards the final against either Liverpool or Roma.
"We knew what we would be up against, in this competition, at this great stadium," Ramos said. "We managed to score twice and defend very well, got our lines together.
"People thought we could win 3-0, but it is very difficult to do that against a very tough team. It was very solid work by the team, we knew how to suffer. Things got a bit on top of us, and we sat back more, and they took advantage and went for it.
"But we were able to win the game on the counter-attack. The first step is taken, now we must finish the job at home. We have done nothing yet, must remain calm and respect Bayern ahead of the second leg."
Zidane was rewarded for turning to Marco Asensio, who scored the winner, to provide the missing attacking spark, with Gareth Bale spending the entire 90 minutes on the bench.
"[Asensio] is a key player for us," Ramos said. "Whoever comes out has that spark and motivation to do well, and that is how we achieve our objectives."
Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal limped off with a potentially serious muscle injury midway through the second half, meaning winger Lucas Vazquez dropped back to mark Franck Ribery.
"Today the defensive work stood out from Lucas," Ramos said. "He was up against Ribery one of the best players in the world, and he did very well."