"We came here today as if we have already won"

Real Madrid's Fede Valverde considered that the victory over Atletico Madrid in the round of 16 (2-2 and 2-4 on penalties) should “serve as a boost” in their season “to continue growing, improving and fighting for everything”.

“Very happy. This has to serve as a boost to keep growing, improving and fighting for everything,” he said on ‘Movistar +’ after the match. A match of which he criticised how his team came out on the pitch.

“A verytough tie. We played a decent game at home and the same thing always happens to us here.We came here today as if we have already won and in the first move they scored a goal and it really hurt us. They are good with the lead and defending and we gave them that power. Both teams were very tired, it was very noticeable. Thank God we were able to win,” he said.

In addition, Valverde acknowledged being tired although with the victory he “forgets” and explained the nerves with which he lived his spot-kick in the penalty shootout.

“A lot of nerves in that walk, a lot of things that cross your mind. You try to be calm, but it's complicated because if you miss you have a lot of people behind you who you don't want to miss. But thank God we won,” he said.