"We've done a great job as a team, but we could've finished it off earlier"

Real Madrid beat Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final, but it was very hard fought. Carlo Ancelotti's men twice went in front through goals by Vinicius and Benzema. Luuk de Jong levelled first just before the break and Ansu Fati did the same in the 80th minute. 

In extra-time, 'Los Blancos' were second best both physically and technically by Xavi's men, but Madrid won the contest thanks, in part, to their clinicalness on the counter. Fede Valverde made it 2-3 and put his team in the final. 

After the game, the Uruguayan was happy and spoke to 'Movistar+': "I'm happy with having come on and been able to play in the game. Lots of things have happened, but I'm happy with the team's great work and they have known how to fight until the end."

Real Madrid's number 15 came on in the 83rd minute for Luka Modric and he was happy with how he played: "I thank the coach for the great opportunity he gave me by bringing me on. The team have had a good match. It's true that we've been able to end the match earlier and we have to improve, but we're going game by game."

On being asked about Barca's performance, the Uruguayan did not hesitate in praising them: "Barca are a good team who are playing well, but they just aren't getting the results." He also highlighted how demanding the game had been because of "the long flight, but they're professionals who know how to face adversity."

Lastly, he spoke about his goal which sent Madrid into Sunday's final. "I wasn't expecting Vini to jump out of the way, I thought he was going to short, but then the ball came to me and I was able to score. Karim was also at my side, but I was bold and it turned out well," Valverde concluded.