Trossard on Everton strike and Real Madrid test

Leandro Trossard was left rueing our slow start to the second half that ultimately saw Everton grab the equaliser and salvage a 1-1 draw.

Having scored in successive matches at Goodison Park, the Belgian will be disappointed he won’t get the chance to make it a hat-trick next season with the Toffees moving to their new dockside location in the summer, but was delighted to see his name on the scoresheet for the seventh time this campaign.

But that was tempered by seeing his strike cancelled out by Ilian Ndiaye’s penalty which was conceded just 47 seconds into the second half, as the hosts hung onto a point.

Reflecting on the game, Leo said: “I think it's a pity at the end, we wanted to have the three points. In general, we played well, but how we started the second half wasn't good enough, how we conceded a penalty and what led to their goal.

“You have to put these games to bed, especially when it's a tough place to come. When you go 1-0 up, it's all in our favour, then it's up to us to really turn the game into our own hands. I think that's what we lacked today.

“I'm happy with the goal again, it's always nice to be on the scoresheet and help the team move forward. I think we tried that [move] before that one a couple of times before. It was a good link-up between me and Raheem - he found me well and then it's up to me to try to get the ball in the net and that's what I did, so I'm really pleased with it.”

With our trip to Merseyside done and dusted, we can now turn our attentions to the Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid on Tuesday night.

It’s our first meeting with the Spanish giants for 19 years, and Leo can’t wait to experience the atmosphere inside Emirates Stadium on another huge European night with a spot in the last four of the competition up for grabs.

“I’m very excited, it's a big game for us,” he added. “I think everyone is up for it, not just us as players, but the fans as well. I think, and I hope, the atmosphere will be electric because that's what we need. We know how they are - they have the most Champions League wins in history, so we know what we're up again.

“I hope the atmosphere will be electric because we're going to need it. The first game is at home, so hopefully we can have an advantage there. If they are electric, that gives us adrenaline and that's what we need.”