Real Madrid not only beat Athletic Club by two goals on Saturday night but did so in dominant fashion. They had 54% possession of the ball, managed 14 shots, and even hit the woodwork once in the 90 minutes.
AsAncelotti rightly pointed out after the game, the result was possible only due to a combined effort from all the players. Some of theMerengues’stars spoke to the media after the game to reflect on the team’s display.
Rodrygo Goes scored the opening goal against Ernesto Valverde’s side in the 28th minute to set his team up for victory. He was the first to talk to the media after the game and expressed his happiness over the bright start.
“We’re really pleased and everything went as we hoped it would. We trained like this to start the season well. We knew it was going to be a tough match, but we played really well and were comfortable. I’m pleased to have scored.”
The Brazilian phenom went on to provide a deeper insight into his role on the night and his special link-up play with Dani Carvajal.
“I played in a role that I like, more on the inside. The goal came from linking up with Carvajal, we practiced it in training and today it came off in the game. He passed it to me, I touched it to him again and then it was a nice finish.”
Speaking on the єɴԀless chancesLos Blancoscreated on the night, the prodigy said:
“We did really well, we created chances and we could’ve scored more goals. It’s good because it’s the first league game and we’re gradually getting better. The important thing is that we are creating chances, I hope that in the next few games, we’ll be better and score more goals.”
The 22-year-old showed a great connection with Jude Bellingham thɾօυɢҺ the game at San Mames and reflected on the same in his conversation with the media last night.
“I’m happy to play with him. He’s a great player, a top player and he’s going to help us a lot this season.”
Finally, Rodrygo pushed himself to reach his best level this season and outlined his main objectives for the campaign, saying:”I hope I can score as many goals as possible, provide as many assists as possible and be important for the team.”
Dani Carvajal, who assisted Rodrygo’s opener on the night, was the next to face the press.
“It was a fairly complete match. The team was very good defensively, but in the second half, the opposition pressed forward and created some dangerous situations for us. On the whole, we’re happy to start the league like this,”the Spaniard said when asked to sum up the game.
He then went on to talk about the new system in play and how the dressing room has adapted to the renewed dynamics on the field, saying:
“The pre-season helps us prepare physically and for this new style of play. The team was very good both in attack and defence. We’re grasping the concepts and I hope we can continue like this in the next few games.”
Carvajal also ɾєⱱєɑłєԀ what setReal Madridapart on the field and the secret behind the ease with which they create chances.
“Having this squad means that we can create different situations in front of our opponents. We create uncertainty if a teammate opens space or closes down, and if he’s going to receive or run thɾօυɢҺ. It’s about creating danger and we’ve managed to do that.”
Los Blancoshave some of world football’s biggest names in the squad, and it is no secret that the competition is ruthless. The veteran defєɴԀer spoke on the battle to win a starting spot under Carlo Ancelotti.
“The coach told us that he saw a lot of competition in training and that everyone wants to play. Getting playing time is very valuable in this squad and that’s good for the team.”
Speaking on captaining the teamReal Madridon the night, the 31-year-old said:”I’m really proud to have played my first official match as captain and it’s a dream come true to have worn the armband of the greatest team.
“It’s a historic day and everyone who loves me knows what this means to me.”
Finally, the captain wound up his interview by praising Jude Bellingham whocompleted a stunning debut on the night.
“Once again he’s shown his quality, he’s very committed defensively and he’s been an extraordinary signing.”
