Álvaro López: “Playing at the Bernabéu is a dream for everyone and a unique opportunity"
“We want the fans to cheer us on and feel the support of our people,” added Diego Aguado.
Real Madrid, the reigning Youth League champions, aim to win the Under-20 Intercontinental Cup for the first time in the final to be held tomorrow at the Bernabéu against Santiago Wanderers, winners of the Conmebol Libertadores (12:30 pm). Álvaro López, Diego Aguado, and Javi Navarro shared their thoughts on this historic occasion on the eve of the match. The coach stated: "We need to be ourselves, do what we’ve been doing, and represent the values of Real Madrid at the highest level. We are very eager, very excited, and can’t wait for the match to begin. It’s going to be a very special day, the first time for many, and we’re going to enjoy it to the fullest. I believe we’re going to do very well.”
“Our team is a generation with several players who have been at the club for many years, and that’s important when it comes to creating bonds between us. The important thing is that we are a family. That’s what brought us success in the Youth League last year, and we need to try to generate the same energy for this final. That’s the key to staying calm and enjoying it.”
The Bernabéu
“We thank the club for giving us the opportunity to play at the Bernabéu. It’s a dream for all of us, a unique opportunity to play a final wearing this jersey in the best stadium in the world and to have the chance to make history by becoming the first Spanish club to win the Under-20 Intercontinental Cup. That’s our challenge.”
Diego Aguado: “Many of us already know what it’s like to play a final and the difficulty it involves”
“Many of us already know what it’s like to play a final and the difficulty it involves. A 90-minute match can take you to penalties, as happened to us in the final in Switzerland. We need to stay very focused to win the trophy in 90 minutes, and if not, give it our all in the penalty shootout.”
The opponent
“We know they’re going to go all out in challenges and will give everything for every ball. We need to be at the same level or better than them in that aspect to win the match.”
Bernabéu
“Playing at the Bernabéu is an indescribable feeling. It’s the best stadium in the world, and we need to enjoy ourselves and have fun on the field to win the match. We want the fans to be engaged, to cheer us on, and to feel the support of our people.”
Javi Navarro: “Playing at the Bernabéu is a dream come true”
“It will be an unforgettable experience. The truth is that we are all very excited and very happy about tomorrow’s match. Playing here is a dream come true. We’re all nervous because playing in this stadium is overwhelming, but we know what we have to do against this great opponent. Let’s go for it.”