Lucas Vázquez: “The aim is to finish with a 100% record"

Lucas Vázquez spoke to the press at Berlin's Olympiastadion to assess the upcoming Champions League Group Stage matchday six encounter between Union Berlin and Real Madrid (Tuesday, 9:00pm CET). The madridista explained: “The team is on a great run, it's been a strong start to the season. The aim is to finish the Group Stage with a 100% record so we'll try and put on a good display and win the game tomorrow."

“This season, despite all the injuries we've had, the team has not faltered from its winning mentality. Whoever plays, the team remains the same and that reflects very well on every player we have here. We're training well and we're in synch with each other, that helps us reach the top levels."

Bellingham's adaptation
“What a player! We're thrilled to have him here. We've seen the kind of player he is in training from day one. He helps the team with his goals and works as hard as anyone. He's really enjoying Real Madrid and I hope he can keep up his form and continue helping Madrid in every facet of the game."

Motivation
“There's nothing better than a Champions League game for Real Madrid. Our motivation is to want to win all the time and to represent this club in the competition that has given us so much. That's what makes tomorrow's game important for every Madrid player."

Going for the LaLiga and Champions without a 'number 9’
“That's what we have our sights set on. Every player is trying to contribute a bit more and we're seeing all the guys who play higher up are chipping in with lots of goals. If that continues, we're candidates to win the lot, of course."

Favourites tag 
“Being considered favourites has never bothered us. We've always shown we will compete as well as anyone and we always want to win this competition. That's what we have in our minds right now, winning tomorrow's game, the Round of 16, the quarters, semis and the final. That's what we want to do, without worrying about anyone else, or thinking we're better or worse than any other team."

Union Berlin
“The first game came right at the start of the group. It was a tough clash at the Bernabéu, we didn't take the win until right at the last. They defend really well, they're compact and then they can hurt you on the counter. Tomorrow will be a difficult game here and we'll make sure we're focused in order to get the win."

Rüdiger's secret
“Just like a good madman, nobody knows his secrets (laughs). Rüdiger is having an incredible season, he's performing at an outstanding level and helping the team in every sense. I hope he stays here for a very long time because he's a huge player for us."

Can Bellingham match the figures of Benzema and Cristiano?
“It's too soon to say that. Bellingham has made an unbelievable start and we'll all do our best to help him continue in the same vein for years to come. You're talking about Benzema and Cristiano, two Real Madrid legends and I hope he can get close to them."

Position in LaLiga
“There hasn't been much talk about the point against Betis but it's a good point to pick up. We're just focused on ourselves and what we have to do. We all saw the Barça-Girona game and we don't want to be thinking too much about anyone else for the moment. We're on a good run and if we continue like this, we'll be in the fight for LaLiga until the end and we'll try and clinch the trophy."

His role in the team
““It's hard to define it when you're talking about yourself. I always try and do my very best in every respect, perform well and make sure I'm ready. I'll let others define my role."

Renewing his Real Madrid deal
“Time really does fly. I've always said Real Madrid is a dream I've had since I was a little boy. It's my home and where I feel happy."

The mental side of the game
“You go through good moments and bad ones. When you're not getting minutes or you feel less important, that's difficult. When that's going on, you have to keep a cool head, stay focused and train at your best, remembering what you are capable of. Having belief in yourself is absolutely fundamental and I am not lacking on that front. I'm at Real Madrid, the place I've always wanted to be, and I give it my all for my club, for myself and for everyone else."