Real Madrid had a fantastic night on Wednesday as they beat Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie. The 15th edition winners will go into next week’s second game with a three-goal lead and while the game is far from over, they can now enjoy it.
According to Diario AS, head coach Alvaro Arbeloa spoke to the media after the game and spoke of his happiness with the result and performance.
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“I’m very happy with what the Bernabeu and the players have enjoyed. They deserve it for what they have suffered and the effort they have put in. It is clear that the feeling outside is that there is a lack of confidence in this team. We have shown that we are Real Madrid and we must not give up.
“We knew very well how City played, how Pep played, what he was looking for. We closed a lot of passing lanes and we tried not to take pressure and that’s where they wanted to get in behind. We wanted to hurt them with the ball and if we turned we could hurt them and that was it.”
Arbeloa: Valverde is the Juanito of the 21st century
Fede Valverde scored his first career hat-trick within 20 minutes of the first half, becoming Real Madrid’s winning goal. Arbeloa was full of praise for the Uruguayan midfielder.
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“It doesn’t matter where you put him. I’m almost tired of talking to him too much. He’s the Juanito of the 21st century. Valverde is everything a Real Madrid player should be and he deserves a night like this.”
Arbeloa: Mendy is injured
Real Madrid’s one blemish on the night was Ferland Mendy being forced off at half-time, with Arbeloa already confirming the French defender will face another game on the sidelines.
“He’s injured, yeah. It doesn’t look good. I appreciate his effort and it was a risk for us to start him two games in a row after such a long break. I took the risk and I thank him for that. It was great to be able to train him.”
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Arbeloa looks forward to the second leg
Although Real Madrid will lead 3-0 in Manchester next Tuesday, Arbeloa is clear that the game is far from over.
“If there’s one thing that’s still far away, it’s qualifying. We know the team that City are and we know what awaits in Manchester. I’ve said that Pep will bring some surprises and that’s what happened. In the second leg, he will do it again.”