MADRID, 5 Apr. (EUROPE PRESS) –
Uruguayan footballer Fede Valverde, Real Madrid midfielder, said this Wednesday that “the important thing was to win” at the Camp Nou and qualify for the Copa del Rey final “in any way”, without boasting about the win that has given him the merengue team endorsed FC Barcelona (0-4) in the second leg of the semifinals.
“Looking at the result, it’s very nice and very satisfying. The important thing was to win and qualify in any way. I am one of those who played badly but won 2-0 and we qualified… we have to enjoy it,” Valverde said after the match against Movistar Plus microphones.
“I think we played a great game, especially in the second half, we found many spaces and we have made those spaces concrete with goals. And obviously it hurts the rival when you take an advantage,” summed up the Uruguayan midfielder. “I think the first one was the most important, when the first half ends, in a close game,” he added.
“We found a goal in the way we were waiting for it: try to be patient at the back and, when we steal the ball, try to get out as quickly as possible for Luka (Modric), Karim (Benzema), Rodrygo, Vini. And it was what It happened, we found many spaces and we knew how to take advantage of them. So we have to congratulate the forwards, who have been very important, not only attacking, but in their effort”, he indicated.
Valverde also admitted that Real Madrid “had to go out and look for the result” and not speculate. “You always respect what the coach says and what the coaching staff says, but we knew we had to go out and win. And playing with three wingers, plus Luka on the loose with Toni (Kroos) and me behind, I think it was shown that We went out to win,” he said.
Likewise, the Uruguayan praised Benzema’s brilliant night. “We know everything that Karim gives. Even if he scores certain goals or a figure today, or in which he doesn’t score, we know how important he is for us. He is a benchmark, he is an image for all young people and I think it shows in each party that always wants more in the Real Madrid”, commented.
Finally, Valverde played down the controversial plays of his teammate Vinicius Jr. with some rivals. “In the tension of both players, not only Barcelona but us too, we have to think a little more,” he said in this regard.
“Obviously people warm up the game, but it’s part of football. We have to keep that calm,” he added. “When you are being eliminated, you get angry; and on the other side, instead of enjoying the game a little more, you face them. You have to keep calm,” he finally repeated.