Gareth Bale praised Zinedine Zidanes impact since taking over at the Bernabeu following Real Madrids progression to the Champions League final on Wednesday night. Real beat Manchester City 1-0 in their Champions League semi-final second-leg tie to set up a meeting against Atletico Madrid at San Siro on May 28, with Bale playing a key role in Los Blancos winner in the Spanish capital. Bale celebrates after Real opened the scoring against Man City The Wales international was keen to highlight his managers contribution to the home teams victory, exactly four months since Zidane replaced Rafa Benitez in the Madrid dugout. Hes given us that belief and freedom to go out and express ourselves and enjoy ourselves, Bale told UEFAs official website.When players can do that you see the best of them. Bale disagreed with Manuel Pellegrinis comments that Real Madrid were lucky to progress However, Bale admitted the 20th-minute goal that finally separated the two sides was slightly fortunate, with the forwards centre taking a crucial deflection off Fernando on its way past City goalkeeper Joe Hart.I went to cross, but obviously it doesnt matter however the ball goes in the back of the net, he said. Were very happy and the most important thing is were in the final.Were very excited to get to the final. Were going to enjoy this result. It was a very difficult two-legged game against Manchester City. Hes given us that belief and freedom to go out and express ourselves and enjoy ourselves. Gareth Bale on Zidane But were very happy that we kept two clean sheets and nicked a goal to get into the final. It was a very professional performance. Weve really worked together as a team and that showed again tonight.Bale, meanwhile, was delighted with his own display against City as he carried on his impressive form of late that has seen him score four times in his last five games in all competitions for Real.I enjoy taking responsibility on the pitch, he said. Hopefully I can keep doing it, keep improving and putting in good performances. Bales cross deflects off City midfielder Fernando in the decisive moment of Wednesdays Champions League semi-final Bale, though, knows just what a tough encounter now awaits him and his team-mates against Atleti, the second time the two city rivals have faced each other in the Champions League final in the space of just three years.We know that come the final its going to be a very difficult, very cagey game again, he said.We know how they play, we know what theyre like, he added. Its going to be a difficult game, but were confident we can win. Watch live coverage of Real Madrids La Liga clash at home to Valencia from 3.55pm on Sunday, via the Red Button on Sky Sports 2 HD, on Sky Sports Xtra or via the Sky Sports for iPad app. Highlights on Sky Sports 3 HD from 8.40pm. Also See: Own goal knocks out City R Madrid 1-0 Man City recap Zidane: City made it hard Kompany limps out of Real clash Adidas Stan Smith Sale . The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Lions have not announced the hiring, which was first reported by ESPN. Lombardi, the grandson of former Green Bay Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi, has been an offensive assistant on Sean Paytons New Orleans staff since 2007. Stan Smith Cheap Online . No. 13-seeded John Isner and No. 21 Philipp Kohlschreiber were among six players who dropped out of the tournament on Tuesday, joining No. 12 seed Tommy Haas and two other players who withdrew on Monday. http://www.cheapstansmith.net/ . 24 Baylor in a Big 12 clash between teams trending in opposite directions. Andrew Wiggins made 10-of-12 from the foul line and scored 17 for Kansas (14-4, 5-0 Big 12), which capped a stretch of four straight games against ranked opponents unscathed. Adidas Stan Smith Clearance . PETERSBURG, Fla. Adidas Stan Smith Online Sale . In taking its goal tally to 99 in all competitions already this season, City delivered another demonstration of its lethal firepower at Etihad Stadium to set up a fourth-round match at home to another second-tier team -- Watford. By just about all accounts, injury has sidelined NRL superstar Johnathan Thurston for two weeks.But it appears someone has forgotten to tell his North Queensland coach Paul Green.The Cowboys mentor hasnt ruled out Thurston making a shock start against Melbourne on Saturday night, in a top-three clash that could decide the minor premiership, despite not officially naming the Test playmaker on Tuesday.Thurston went down with a hamstring injury in last rounds 36-0 romp over Canterbury, prompting calls that the four-time Dally M Medallist would be sidelined for at least a fortnight.Yet, on Tuesday, it was news to Green.According to everyone else, it is two games, Green said.But we have got a pretty good high performance unit and medical staff, we wont be taking any unnecessary risks with him but he will be back sooner rather than later.At this stage, he has got a few days rest which was already planned ... once he comes back from that, we will monitor how he feels.The top-four race was supposed to have been blown wide open by Thurstons injury.The three-time Golden Boot winner was expected to at least miss not only the Storm clash but also next rounds away showdown with the Wests Tigers.ddddddddddddBut asked if Thurston could play against second-placed Melbourne, Green said: We will see how he goes.We will monitor him. Scan results are fairly inconclusive.There is something going on there but its nothing too concerning at the moment.In the meantime, Ray Thompson has been named in the halves for injured No.7 Thurston.Green predicted Queensland State of Origin player Michael Morgan would step up if Thurston was officially ruled out.He liked how Cowboys half Morgan responded after Thurston limped off against the Bulldogs.Morgs grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck last week, Green said.Its about stepping up and taking some ownership of the team.Asked if defending premiers North Queensland were still a one-man band, Green said: I firmly believe we have moved past that.I think we proved that last year. ' ' '