Zinedine Zidane says 'united' Real Madrid are back on track after eliminating PSG from the Champions League

Zinedine Zidane believes Real Madrid's Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain is a sign the reigning European champions are back on track this season.

Real Madrid went into their last 16 second-leg tie at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday with a 3-1 lead, and went ahead in the 51st minute through Cristiano Ronaldo's header.

Marco Verratti was sent off shortly afterwards for getting a second yellow card for dissent before Edinson Cavani equalised in fortunate fashion for PSG.

But after Casemiro scored with 10 minutes left to play, Real went on to seal a 5-2 aggregate win and book their place in their eighth consecutive Champions League quarter-final.

Los Blancos have struggled this season, particularly in La Liga where they trail leaders Barcelona by 15 points.

But Zidane insisted after the win over PSG that Real are back on track this season.

Speaking to reporters after the win at the Parc des Princes, Zidane said: "We've had difficult moments in the Liga and Copa del Rey, but it's always difficult to maintain the same level while playing every three days.

"You can't always win everything, but we're winning now in the Liga and we have to look ahead to our game with Eibar on Saturday.

"Paris were perhaps not as good, but that's maybe because we played well. After the sending-off and the second goal, it got more difficult for them."

Gareth Bale came on as a second-half substitute for Real amid speculation about his future at the club.

But Zidane said: "I respect all the players, including Gareth Bale. He wasn't a starter in either leg, but he's a very important player who causes lots of trouble to the opposition. We have to stay united, as we were tonight."

PSG boss Unai Emery, meanwhile, insisted the club have the squad to win the Champions League despite their loss on Tuesday being the second straight season they have exited the competition at the last-16 hurdle.

"We all want to win this competition quickly. We'll continue with patience, and build a team that can win," he said.

"I'm sure this team can win the Champions League. The supporters will see that Paris will win this competition one day.

"Losing to Madrid is not a disappointment, but going out in the last 16 is. But, the first leg was the key because we were better over the first 80 minutes than them.

"They controlled 60 per cent of this match and we couldn't do enough in the 40 per cent we controlled."