Real Madrid defeated Betis to move clear at the top of the LaLiga standings with 12 points after four games. Rodrygo and Valverde spoke for the press and expressed their happiness for both winning and returning to their home ground. As the new season keeps going it is clear that their involvement and contribution will be even bigger this year. They have both scored and assisted in this campaign (1 goal and 1 assist each) and have also seen themselves occupying the same position on the field inducing a “rivalry” between them.
The Brazilian, who scored the Whites’ second goal which decided the match, gave his view of the team’s victory: “We’re really pleased. We know that this is only the beginning, but it’s the result of a lot of hard work. We’ve played three games away from home and now we’ve played in front of our fans and we’ve defeated a team that is tough to play against. We hope we can keep this up”.
“I’m happy I scored again and happy I can help the team when they need it most. I’ve come back from an injury and I’m getting better every day. I’m better than I was in the last game and I’m ready for the next game”, the youngster added.
On competition with Valverde: “I always want to start. I’m going to keep training hard and trying to do well in games. I know what I need to do to get in the starting line-up. Valverde is a great player and he can also play in the centre”.
Return to Champions League: "We're really looking forward to it. We've got a very strong team, the starters as well as those who come on. We've got two games a week and we enjoy that because we always want to play, but we must rest well and train. We've got a very good squad with every position covered and we're going to continue to work hard because we've got everything we need to have a perfect year".
After Rodrygo it was Valverde who had something to say. The Uruguayan stated that the squad is prepared for the upcoming challenges: “The gaffer asks me to contribute what I can. That could be an assist, a goal, pressure up top, help in defence. He wants me to give the team energy, to try to drive the side forward in attack. It was a matter of minutes before the goal came. Sometimes you have to relax a bit because you’re winning, the team might be a bit tired, and you have to be ready for everything”.
He continued: “In the centre I can help out in defence and in attack I can cause a surprise like with what happened with the goal. From the deeper position I can drive forward because you don’t get followed as much. Sometimes you feel more enclosed on the wing and under pressure when one-on-one. I try to adapt, but I enjoy playing in the centre more”.
Back at the Bernabéu: "Playing in front of the fans again was great, as well as being closer to our family. Playing at the Bernabéu, our home, was also nice. Winning again in this beautiful stadium and making the fans happy, which they deserve”.
Tough Schedule: "We're going into this season with the same passion as we had last year. We're always aiming to win the Champions League and we're proud to defend this badge. We're professionals, we’ll try to prepare ourselves to play every three days because we're ready for it. We have to keep working with our modesty and look to improve as a team. We're going to be a very strong side".
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