Real Madrid became the league leaders after beating Valladolid 0-1 at the José Zorrilla stadium on Sunday night. Our goalscorer Nacho, Sergio Ramos, Lucas Vázquez and Thibaut Courtois spoke in the mixed zone after the game to share their thoughts on the victory:
NACHO
“I am thrilled not just with the goal, but because we got three crucial points in the fight for LaLiga. The team played a tight, focussed game, and we got those three points, which is what we needed. In the second half, we did a lot better on the ball, we got into space, but we knew how hard it can be as a visiting team here. For me, the team did well despite the lack of chances, There were not many, but we got one and we took it. We appreciate being top again. We needed a win today, we have a lot of games still to play and today was vital after our rivals dropped points. We are on a good run of unbeaten games and I feel confident going forward.
“It was a strange one because I was not going to go up and the coach told me to go to the near post. That’s life, sometimes you are in the right place at the right time and today things turned out well. The first thing that came to mind tonight was that the coach told me to go up. 18 players having scored is positive and it means we are all switched on and looking to attack. We need to defend well and the team are doing that, we have kept a lot of clean sheets. There are a lot of players scoring and that is good for the squad.”
RAMOS
“In the end, no ground is easy to come to and every team turns up. We knew that they are a side that plays in a 4-4-2 system, it’s more difficult to create space against them, the lines were close together and it was difficult. The first half was a bit harder and in the second we found more space, attacking down the wing and Nacho was able to get on the end of a second ball.
“We’re happy with our goal, which was to get three points and go top of the table, and now it’s time to continue picking up points. It’s very early and the league season is very long, every time its more complicated and you can drop points anywhere and against any opponent. We’re going to go from match to match, trying to pick up three points each time and continue this dynamic, playing with personality, with a lot of initiative so that everyone can see Real Madrid playing with commitment and identity to try to achieve the goals.
“Nacho’s hug with Zidane is very good, it sums up the unity in the group. It’s fundamental, that balance helps the unity of the group and although there are players who play less, we must all be prepared because we are equally important, regardless of the minutes we play. It was not just a hug from Zidane, it represented the whole team as we have that common objective and you can see that in the little details.”
LUCAS
“We knew it would be tough out there. They make life hard for you at home. We are happy as we got the job done, and got the three points. In the first half, we knew what we were facing, they play with real intensity, they get into space and defend well, but in the second half we stepped it up. We are thrilled to be top of the league and hopefully we can go all the way. It shows the hard work we’ve put in this season, pushing ourselves to work harder and harder. That is how you win things at the end of the day.”
COURTOIS
“We need to focus on us and not other teams. if we focus we can do well. The season is long and there will be highs and lows. We are on a good run and it is games like this that win leagues. It was a complicated game, We won and that is the important thing. We want to win LaLiga. We have the means to do it, but you can’t think it’s all said and done in January.”
