Real Madrid

Raúl Albiol played the second half of the opening match in the Liga against Valencia. The defender regretted Mourinho’s team’s missed opportunities but his overall outlook was positive: “We have had clear opportunities to win the game. This is only the start and we have to continue. Furthermore, Valencia normally play really well at the Bernabeu. The team is definitely going to improve we hope to win three points from now on”.

The Madrid defender was not worried about the draw in the opening match of the season: “It’s a shame not to win after the great second half we had. The first game in the Liga is always tricky, the teams lack rhythm. The goal is to win the championship again and to do so we need more than 90 points. There’s a lot more still to come”. With regard to his feelings on the pitch, he said: “I came on for a teammate, and this isn’t good. I hope he gets better. I felt comfortable and it’s a shame we didn’t get the win”.

Arbolea played the whole match and highlighted the team's performance after half-time: “The team gave it their all in the second half. We had clear scoring opportunities but luck wasn't on our side. For many of us it was our first full ninety minutes of play and this was noticeable. Although Valencia played a great game, especially in defence, they hardly worried us. We played a good game, good enough to have won”.

The wing back spoke of the state of the squad in this start to the season. “In the time that we've had, two or so weeks of pre-season, we've prepared the start to the season as well as possible. I think that the team has left a good impression and has played well”.