Nacho: “This team has real power and is full of goals"

Real Madrid were too strong for Leipzig on Champions League Group Stage matchday two. Nacho, who captained the side against the German team, reflected: "It was a hard-fought game. We worked tirelessly to win it. We're pleased because it was a big game in this Group Stage".
 
“We were a bit out of shape in the first half, leaving space between the lines, and they got at us. We discussed it at half-time and the team changed in the second half. They were a little fatigued after the break as well. This team has real power, is full of goals, and we're all feeling good".
 
Valverde's form
“He's in a purple patch. Anything that helps the team is great for the group”.
 
Asensio's stunner
“Marco has been important to us in recent years. He's stayed with us this year instead of moving on. I'm thrilled for him because he's not only a great player but a very good friend. He's shown what he can do with a sublime goal and now he has to keep it up".

“We’re in really good shape fitness-wise. It’s not our only strength, we’ve also got power and strength. We put in a lot of good work during pre-season and we’re now benefitting from that in all of our games. The season has only just begun, we’re in good form and need to make the most of it.”
 
Confidence ahead of the derby
“A win is always important when it comes to boosting your confidence levels. We head into the derby in fine fettle.”
 
Courtois: “They’re the sorts of games you’ve got to win”
“Leipzig are a good side. We really struggled because our first-half performance wasn’t great. The state of the pitch didn’t help in terms of us allowing us to play our game. The coach changed a few things at half-time and we were a bit better.”

“We didn’t create all that much, but we took our chances. They’re the sorts of games you’ve got to win and it was important we got the wins in these two games. If we win the double-header against Shakhtar, we’ll be through to the next round. It’s important that we take six points from six.”
 
Improved performance
“We ended up having to deal with 1v1 situations in defence. They always had a lot of space and were comfortable on the ball. We addressed that and they weren’t as strong after the break. We have to improve because we misplaced a lot of passes. In the end, we were the better side.”
 
Clean sheet
“They like to get in behind and we were ready for that. They’ve got some quality players who were capable of surprising us. I was alert to make a few saves early on, but I didn’t have much to do in the second half. It’s another win and another clean sheet. We’re managing to keep clean sheets in the Champions League, but haven’t done so as yet in LaLiga. Let’s see if we can manage it on Sunday.”
 
Start of Champions League campaign
“Six points from six represents a good start. The Celtic game was a tough one and we had to win this one and if we now beat Shakhtar at home, it’ll be nine from nine. It’s important we win our next few games.”