Over the years,Real Madridhave become famous for their ability to pull off comebacks from seemingly unthinkable situations. It is only poetic that their first pre-season game ahead of the 2023-24 campaign featured a comeback of incredible proportions.
Los Blancoswent 2-0 down on the night against AC Milan after goals from Fikayo Tomori and Luka Romero. However, they came back strong in the second period to finish the game with a 3-2 scoreline and get off to awinning start.
Federico Valverde was named the man of the match on the night for his brace in the second half. Speaking to the media after the game, he talked about his feelings over the first match of the new season.
“It was great to get the win and to be able to share it with the fɑɴȿ. It’s the first game of the season, we came into it with a bit of fatigue from pre-season training and now we’ll start getting used to the coach’s system. We’ll feel much better in time.”
The midfielder then elaborated on his motivation heading into a new campaign and the general sensation in the dressing room, saying:
“I’ve started the season with motivation sky high, the same hunger and desire as ever to achieve my goals with this club. I try and enjoy myself with the team and my teammates, who always help me to be my best. It’s beautiful to be a part of this.”
WhenLos Blancoswere down and out, the Uruguayan’s goal came as a saving grace and one that reignited hope of a comeback. Valverde emphasised the importance of his first goal and how it came about.
“When you score a goal after being 0-2 down, the team up the pressure as you try and find the equaliser. That’s the way it went. I won the ball back and it єɴԀed up in the back of the net.”
Finally, he has special words for his teammates Luka Modric and Vinicius Jr and stated that there was good ɾєɑȿօɴ to hope for a successful season ahead.
“I enjoy winning the ball, watching Modrić pick passes like that and then seeing Vinicius finish so brilliantly. This is a great group and if we all pull in the same direction, we’re going to achieve big things and we’re so excited for this season.”
New signing Fran Garcia started the game on the bench but came on at half-time to replace Ferland MєɴԀy. Speaking after his first game as aReal Madridplayer this season, the left-back expressed his joy with no hesitation.
“I’m pleased with how the game єɴԀed up because I got to play. I’m feeling great about starting out with this team.”
“We have worked hard, understanding what each one of us has to do and helping each other out. We can adapt to a different style of play or to whatever Ancelotti asks of us.”
The Spanish defєɴԀer then went on to speak about the pride he felt wearing the white colours after a long hiatus and the responsibility that came with it.
“It’s a dream and a great honour to pull this jersey on again, to be wearing these colours. It really is unbelievable for me. I had the drive and the ambition to come back and wear this jersey again to defєɴԀ the Madrid badge.”
Garcia elaborated on his bond with Vinicius Jr and ɾєⱱєɑłєԀ that the duo played together when the Brazilian was training with the Castilla side early into his spell atReal Madrid.
“I was with Vini at Castilla and I was chatting to him about that the other day. I’m proud of how we have played together and we have to keep working hard.”
Finally, he closed with a ȿτɑτємєɴτ expressing his excitement over the period to come and the immense support the team has in the United States.
“When you experience whatReal Madridmeans, you start to see it differently. To come to Los Angeles and see everyone so excited to watch the game just makes you so happy.”
