Valverde: “The team showed our spirit and we came away with the win”

Fede Valverde analysed Real Madrid's victory at Mendizorroza. The captain told Realmadrid TV: “It's a very important win after several difficult games. It was a really important game to keep fighting for the LaLiga title. We had a lot of players out due to injury and suspension, but the team showed their spirit, their desire to fight, and we took three points at a very difficult ground.”

"We were very clear that we had to go out and win, that we had to fight for the three points, which were key to continuing to fight for the League. The team kept pushing, kept fighting, kept battling, and worked with a lot of pride. In the first half, before our goal, we were playing very well. Then we dropped back a lot defensively and found it difficult to get out with the ball, but we got a great goal from Rodrygo and were able to win.”

Playing with discomfort
“The team needed players today. Every player who took part in the match did so in a spectacular way. Congratulations to Valdepeñas, who had a brilliant game on his debut. We're happy for him. Hopefully the young players from the academy will continue to get many more opportunities, as it's always nice to see them play for Real Madrid and make their debut. It's a dream for them too and we're going to support them.”

“As captain, I also have the responsibility of being the first to take charge when things aren't going well. You have to take responsibility. And today was a great game to change that dynamic.”

Advice to Valdepeñas
“It's simple, or it seems simple, but enjoy it. Playing for Real Madrid is something unique, something you dream of. All young people around the world want to play for this club. Before the game, I told him to enjoy it, to appreciate what it means to play for Real Madrid. He did spectacularly well, he appreciated it, he defended the badge and we're very happy for him.”