‘A very tough game’ – Real Madrid match winner talks through his performance in win over Athletic Club | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s match-winner against Athletic Club, Federico Valverde, expressed his appreciation for the support from the Santiago Bernabeu following the team’s disappointing Champions League exit.

His dramatic 93rd-minute goal handed Los Blancos a vital 1-0 victory, but it was the atmosphere and the fans’ backing that stood out most for Valverde in his post-match comments.

“It’s been crazy, very happy and proud of the effort of the whole team, very grateful to the fans because despite what happened the other day, they came to the stadium and supported us from the first minute to the last.”

Acknowledging the tough circumstances surrounding the team’s elimination from Europe, Valverde continued by thanking the supporters for their continued loyalty, even when things aren’t going in Real Madrid’s favour:

“We appreciate the support and affection you give us, even though things don’t always go our way. We knew it would be difficult to move forward after the defeat, but we’re happy with the victory and the goal.”

Thoughts on Athletic Club win

Federico Valverde scored the winner against Athletic Club. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Reflecting on his spectacular match-winning goal, Valverde explained how instinct took over in the dying seconds of the match. His precise volley from the chest was nothing short of breathtaking, finding the top corner of the net.

“I didn’t think much at the end. Sometimes I think so much that I start to doubt myself. This time I didn’t think, I shot.

“It was a game in which I took a lot of shots on goal, most of them went well, I felt very confident, and in the end, it went in,” he said.

This ninth goal of the season did not come by accident. Valverde credited the work he puts in on the training ground, alongside the tireless efforts of the goalkeepers and coaching staff.

“I’m very proud. It’s the foundation of hard work and effort, too, the help from the goalkeepers who always stay a little longer to practice shooting, and the coaches who insist we stay and shoot. Today went well,” he added.

Difficulties during the match

In his analysis of the match, Valverde was quick to focus on Real Madrid’s resilience after the break.

Valverde thanked the fans. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The first half was tough, with the team struggling to create chances, but a renewed attitude and commitment in the second half turned the tide.

“It was a very tough game. We struggled to create play in the first half, creating chances, but we changed our attitude and commitment in the second half.

“With the help of our fans, we attacked much better,” he said.

Looking ahead to the crucial fixtures, Valverde made it clear that Real Madrid’s focus is now on the next La Liga clash against Getafe, before the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona in Seville.

“We’re thinking about Getafe first. We’re still fighting for La Liga, excited and confident about winning it.

“Then we will see the big game of a final against Barcelona. We have to take it day by day, game by game. It helps us get mentally prepared to work tomorrow for Getafe,” Valverde concluded.

Source: Real Madrid TV