Real Madrid

Mario Hermoso and Derik played their first minutes with Real Madrid in the match against Millonarios. For the two academy players it was an unforgettable day. The Castilla player said that he was supported by his teammates: "With the support of the older players everything is easier, they told me to stay calm" Meanwhile, Mario, the youngster from the u-18s B, added that "it is the moment you've been waiting for from childhood". Both agreed on the importance of the confidence that José Mourinho gives them every day.

The B team’s centre back Derik unveiled what the Portuguese coach told him before coming on to the field at the Santiago Bernabéu in the 73rd minute: "He explained the positions to me and told me to keep calm. I have to keep working hard and it is an incentive to keep striving to improve." The academy player felt rewarded for his hard work: "I'm very happy. Everything has been achieved through hard work and it is a dream. When the match started the nerves went and also, with the help of the older players, everything is easier, they told me to keep calm."

Mario Hermoso was another of the academy players that set foot on the grass in the Bernabéu for the first time. After the match, the u-18 player spoke about his new experience: "It has given me lots of memories. When I arrived I was told what it was like and that helped give me confidence. Mourinho told me to do my best and do what I know how to do. With people of this quality it makes you feel strange. It was incredible and I'm very happy."

The wing back, who described "Roberto Carlos as an idol" said that he also took to the field "thinking about the opportunity. I had nerves during the warm-up, but then you forget about them. It is the moment you've been waiting for since childhood and you realise that if you work hard you can have the life of a First Division player."