Protagontists of the game spoke for the media after the final whistle, sharing their thoughts on the draw. Álvaro Rodríguez made a sensational debut performance at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Castilla forward grabbed the equalizer for Real Madrid in the 85th minute with a fine header that went in off Oblak’s far post. Courtois and Ceballos also spoke to the media pointing out the difficult moments, their struggles to be brighter and opportunities to decide the game in the right time.
After the match, the academy player Alvaro Rodriguez expressed his delight: “I'm delighted to have scored this goal for the best team in the world and at this stadium. It's a dream I've had since I was a child and it has come true. We've been working really well and we have to keep pushing for the league. My teammates have welcomed me nicely and they haven't had time to tell me anything, but we'll share a hug”.
Then, it was the Madrid goalkeeper Courtois who explained: "It was a very tight game and they started the second half better. With the sending off we almost forgot to play and they tightened up at the back. We were only looking for complicated passes. Against 10, we shouldn't have given away fouls. The foul on the goal was very slight, but the ref called it in the end. It's the only threat they had with a player less. This result doesn't mean much to us”.
On Álvaro: “They defend tightly and we couldn't find the quick balls through. They're strong at the back. Then Álvaro got his goal and he has to go on like that. He's a lad who works really hard in training. He's very tall and has the ability to score a goal. He came on and did well against Osasuna with an assist. Today his goal salvaged a point and I hope he can keep doing that”.
On Atletico’s complains: "Correa raises his arm, but whether it's a red card or not is the referee's decision. They can't complain about the foul before the goal.
After the keeper it was Ceballos who expressed his opinion. The Spaniard said: "We dropped two points that take us further away from the top. Regardless of what Barcelona do, we should have had more of the ball. When we had one more player on the pitch we were too hasty and we didn't know how to handle the game. We got a point that doesn't feel like much”.
He continued: "We didn't play a great game because we lacked mobility in attack. Atlético had two very deep lines and it was difficult for us to attack the space. With the introduction of Álvaro and the passes to Benzema, we had a better idea of what to do in the final stretch of the game”.
Dynamics: "These games are crucial before we go into the international break. We have a very tough tie against Barcelona and then a very difficult away game against Betis. From then on we have to face all the games with the same dynamic we had before. Now we have to make it three out of three because Barcelona are getting further ahead”.
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