After the tough game vs Sevilla at Santiago Bernabeu, three of the night’s protagonists were interviewed and gave their opinion on the game. Lucas Vázquez, Thibaut Courtois and Marco Asensio explained the difficulty facing a strong team like Sevilla and praised the team work and the fighting spirit of Madridistas. It was the first game in a while for Courtois as he was recovering from his back injury while Vasquez and Asensio were those who came from the bench to give the team that much needed energy burst.
Lucas Vázquez scored Real Madrid's second goal of the night against Sevilla just three minutes after coming off the bench. The academy graduate reflected: “It was a tough match for us. We're pleased to clinch this hard-fought victory and now we have to keep winning games. We'll work hard to make sure we keep this up for the whole season. Getting the better of direct rivals really gives the team a boost mentally”.
He added: “After they levelled, we struggled a bit without the ball; we were finding it difficult to win it back and giving it away too easily. Once we managed to be a bit calmer on the ball, we came back into it and created chances, then ultimately we got the win”.
Catalysts from the bench: “We were fully focused and eager to change the game, and happy we could help the team”.
Valverde's form in front of goal: “Valverde strikes the ball beautifully so he has to make the most of it and he'll score an awful lot of goals”.
After Vázquez it was Courtois, the newest winner of Yashin Trophy who spoke for the press. The Belgian had a good game but was unlucky at Lamela’s goal as his intervention was not enough to prevent the ball from entering the net. He said: "We were pretty well in control in the first half. Perhaps we should have scored the second goal to calm us down a bit because Sevilla are a good side and they ended up scoring in pretty fortuitous circumstances”.
He continued: “Then we woke back up again and scored two brilliant goals. It's a very good win against tough opposition to stay top of the table. I think the way we started the second half gave them hope and then, following our substitutions, we quickly stepped things up and regained control of the game".
On Valverde’s rocket: “I’ve been on the receiving end of them in training and we’ve often said that he needs to shoot more in games. He’s got a really powerful shot on him and if he puts it either side of you, they’re unstoppable. I’m delighted that he's doing it more this season because he’s got a tremdous shot on him".
Yashin Trophy paraded at Bernabéu: “I’m proud to have won it and it was a really special moment to be alongside Karim, who deserved to win the Ballon d’Or, here at the stadium. It’a also really special to have been presented with the trophy by an legend in Iker Casillas, who was a childhood hero of mine, and then to parade it in front of a packed stadium. It’s all down to the work from the whole team and the fans last season".
At the end it was Asensio who had a few words for the press. The Spaniard assisted Valverde for the third goal which sealed the game. He expressed his happiness as follows: “I’m pleased with the win and to have contributed during the time I was out there. It’s important for me to make the most of every opportunity. We’re on the right track, are picking up results and playing some good stuff. It’s a long old season and I have to wait for my opportunities. I’m not getting much game time, but I just focus on making sure that I bring quality, contribute and give my all.”
About his position: “My true position is more centrally, althoguh during my years at Real Madrid I’ve played more in wide areas, but I adpat to whichever position it may be.”
450 games for Modric
Luka Modrić opened the scoring against Sevilla to celebrate his 450th Real Madrid appearance in style. The Croatian maestro was presented with a commemorative jersey by the president following the final whistle, and the evening also saw him notch up his 300th win for the club across LaLiga (208), Champions League (64), Copa del Rey (13), Club World Cup (6), Spanish Super Cup (5) and European Super Cup (4).
On 29 August 2012, Luka Modrić made his debut for our club in the perfect circumstances, getting his hands on the Spanish Super Cup with a win over Barcelona. The Croatian's first goal came at the Bernabéu against Zaragoza on matchday 10 of the 2012/13 LaLiga season. He has since gone on to hit 34, most of them coming from outside the box. His highest number of wins in a single campaign came in 2013/14, with 38.
His 300 wins have helped him to secure a highly impressive trophy haul in madridista colours that comprises 21 titles. The midfielder, who is now into his 10th season at the club, has won everything going: five Champions League crowns, four Club World Cups and UEFA Super Cups apiece, three LaLiga titles, a Copa del Rey and a quartet of Spanish Super Cups.
Accolades: His on-field achievements have earned him recognition in the form of the most coveted individual prizes in the game. He captured the 2018 Ballon d’Or, The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2018 and the UEFA Player of the Year Award for 2017/18. Meanwhile, after shining brightly for his national team at the World Cup in Russia, he landed the Golden Ball at the global showpiece. In addition, Modrić bagged a spot in last season’s Champions League Team of the Season and was named Man of the Match in the last Spanish Super Cup final. These accolades take their place alongside the Golden Ball at the 2017 Club World Cup, the Silver Ball at the 2016 edition and five appearances in the FIFA FIFPro World11.
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