Thiago: "We came to win and we’re happy to advance to the next round"
"I want to enjoy the minutes the coach gives me," declared the academy player after securing qualification for the quarterfinals.
Thiago earned another start with Real Madrid. The midfielder played 74 minutes in the victory against Manchester City in the second leg of the Round of 16 of the Champions League. After the match, the academy player stated: "It was a game where we knew we had an advantage, but an early goal could have complicated things for us. We started well, taking the lead with Vini's penalty, and from there, the match became a bit more manageable for us. It’s true that it was tough until that goal, but we handled it well, and ultimately, we ended up winning the game, which is what we came for."
Did the team struggle more in the second half?
"We came to win, not to defend or anything, and it worked out well. We’re happy to advance to the next round."
Missed opportunities
"We had quite a few chances where we were almost one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Above all, I’m very happy with the victory and how the team played."
Arbeloa's confidence
"We’re experiencing it very naturally, both my family and I. I’m here to enjoy the minutes the coach gives me and to earn more time on the pitch."
Support from teammates
"They encourage me a lot to play the way I know and to do it just as I’ve been doing in training and in matches. I’ll keep it up."
Being a Real Madrid starter
"I try not to think about it too much because it’s crazy. I’m living it, as I said, very calmly, enjoying every minute and feeling very happy to be at the best club in the world."