Mauricio Pochettino has described Tottenham Hotspur as a team "under construction" following their 1-1 draw at Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Spurs took the lead in the 28th minute at the Bernabeu when Raphael Varane diverted Serge Aurier's right-wing cross into his own net.
Los Blancos drew level before half time, however, when Aurier's challenge on Toni Kroos in the box was punished with a penalty, Cristiano Ronaldo making no mistake from 12 yards out.
"It was a great chance for us to prove that we can compete. We have many components. It's not only a matter of tactical organisation. We are still a team that is under construction," Pochettino told reporters at his post-match press conference.
"Last year we got just six points and now we have seven points against Real, APOEL and Dortmund. It's a great step forward. Potentially the team, with the club structure under construction, the potential is great.
"To be honest the result is the least important thing. The performance against Real Madrid pleases me. The point gives us a great chance to qualify. It gives us a great chance to make this structure solid. It reinforces us to compete.
"Last season we did not compete at this level in the Champions League. It made us very sad. This year we are getting good results and competing better."
The result moves Tottenham ahead of Real at the top of Group H on away goals scored.
Giuseppe Labellarte
