MADRID, March 17 (EUROPA PRESS) –
The director of Institutional Relations for Real Madrid, Emilio Butragueño, analyzed the Champions League quarterfinal tie against Chelsea, two “exciting” and “extremely equal” matches, while acknowledging that the Santiago Bernabéu, where they will play the first leg of the crossing, “means a lot” for the club.
“We know each other, we have faced each other several times in recent years. Last year it was a tight tie, they are a great rival, they will be two exciting games. We are aware of the difficulty, but eliminating Liverpool is a source of satisfaction, we will prepare the best possible”, said Butragueño after the draw for the quarterfinals and semifinals of the Champions League, in statements to Movistar.
One of the aspects to take into account in the tie is that, unlike in all the matches last year, Real Madrid will play the second leg as a visitor. Although from the white club they trust the support of their fans to get the first leg back on track. “The Bernabéu always means a lot to us, we will play the first leg and the fans will help us win that game,” he commented.
“We are all very excited about this competition, it is logical. Last year we had a very difficult tie in the quarterfinals. They will be two matches of enormous equality, they will want to do their job well and we will want to do ours. Hopefully we will have that share of luck that will he needs in these games. If we arrive at a good moment, we can compete against anyone”, added Butragueño.
However, he did not want to venture to assess a hypothetical duel against the winner of City-Bayern in the other quarter-final, if they beat the London team. “We’ll see about that, we have to be focused on Chelsea, we know the potential they have. They are very strong in all aspects of the game, with players of a huge category,” he praised.
Finally, he celebrated the call-up with the Spanish team of Real Madrid players Nacho Fernández, Dani Ceballos and Dani Carvajal, “three extraordinary players”. “We are happy for them,” he declared, before confessing that this Sunday, in El Clásico against FC Barcelona, ”a lot” is at stake.