Rafael Nadal says Real Madrid's stunning Man City comeback 'inspired' Goffin victory

Rafael Nadal admitted that Real Madrid's spirit in their comeback against Manchester City "inspired" him during his three hour and 10 minute battle against David Goffin on Thursday. The Spaniard blew two match points in the second set before saving four against the world No 60 in the final set tiebreak, finally closing out a 6-3 5-7 7-6(9) victory to advance to the quarter-finals.

Nadal looked on course to cruise through to the last-eight at the Madrid Open when he held two match points just under 90 minutes into his match against former world No 7. But much like the second leg of Real Madrid's Champions League semi-final on Wednesday night, the scoreline started to switch as Goffin won four games on the bounce to take the second set 7-5 and force a decider.

But the world No 4 was able to fend off his resurgent opponent and win through in a final set tiebreak, and afterwards credited Real Madrid's "spirit" for inspiring him to get the win, having been in attendance at the Santiago Bernabeu last night. Told that his match was as thrilling as Real Madrid's comeback against Man City, the Spaniard said: "Well yeah thanks for that. Yeah yesterday have been an unforgettable night.

"The spirit that real madrid have is just incredible and for me today in some way have been an inspiration, no?" While he looked to the La Liga champions for inspiration, the 21-time Major champion also noted that he has "always had that fighting spirit".

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After saving four match points before managing to close out the victory on his own fourth match point, the five-time former champion admitted he was unhappy with his inability to get things done in straight sets."Honestly