NEWS | 15/09/2021
"This win gives us the confidence to qualify and finish top of the group”, added Lucas Vázquez.“It’s hugely important to start off with a win. We knew it was going to be a really tough game but we were able to dig in well throughout. They were better in the first half but we had more control after the break. Every game is going to be tough and we have to stay focused at all times”.
Hard-fought win
“We knew we’d have to weather the storm to keep having a go at it. We were able to do that, we fought to the end and we knew the goal would come. That’s exactly what happened”.
Gameplan
“The first thing was to manage our pressing and marking. The coach discussed that with us and we came out better. Then we just did what we always do, play from one side to the other, and it worked well".
Rodrygo: “We were able to weather the storm, we fought to the end and we knew the goal would come".
I’m pleased to have got the goal. Whenever I’m on the pitch I can do something for the team. I always want to play, but the coach is the one who makes the decisions. I always try to train my best so that I’m ready when my moment comes”.
Lucas Vázquez: “This win gives us confidence”
“The first half was tough. They showed incredible intensity and perhaps pressed a little higher in our half than usual. There are no easy games in the Champions League and we struggled a bit. They played very well in the first half but in the second we stuck together, pressed better and had more of the ball. That’s what ultimately handed us the win”.
“The games are hard work in the Champions League, we were up against top opposition. Then you think, if we can do things a little bit better with the ball, we’ll have more chances of winning it”.
Crucial win
“This win is absolutely crucial for us. It’s going to boost our confidence heading into the remaining games so we can qualify and finish top of the group”.