The protagonists speak: “This win gives us confidence!”

The protagonists of the match against Inter spoke after the match and told how difficult that match was. Courtois, Alaba, Lucas and Rodrygo were the ones who spoke to the press after the important victory. Real Madrid managed to return home with three points after facing a very tough Inter which kept the Madridistas blocked for most of the time while leading several dangerous attacks which were often denied by Thibaut Courtois who was the best player for the white team.

The goalkeeper was outstanding in the game, making some crucial saves. He reflected on the game: “We didn't have the possession we would have liked in the game. Their pressing made life difficult for us defensively in the first half. I had the odd save to make. In the second half they caused us less problems. You have to keep believing because this team have goals in them and we got one in the end”.

“We knew how they defend but we lacked composure. Our balls over the top weren't finding their targets and there was always one of them all over us, it was tough. In the second half we controlled the free man better but it wasn't our best game and beating the toughest team in the group is a good start", the Belgian added.

Half-time team talks with Carlo Ancelotti: “He corrected a few things at the break. We spoke to the coach and he explained what was going wrong and then our second-half performance was better. Inter had the better chances in the game and perhaps they deserved more”, the goalkeeper concluded.

Meanwhile Alaba claimed that Inter played very well and were very difficult to dominate. He said: “We're really pleased because we won it and now we head home with three points, which is what we came for. It wasn't easy, especially in the first half, we had a few issues. Inter played very well before the break, pressing high, and it was tough to dominate them and control the game".

Rodrygo, who scored the winner, stated: “I’m thrilled with the result we’ve got, with the team’s efforts and my goal. I think I’ve done a good job and helped the team whenever I’ve played in the Champions League. I’m really happy, I love playing and scoring goals in the Champions League. “It’s hugely important to start off with a win. We knew it was going to be a really tough game but we were able to dig in well throughout. They were better in the first half but we had more control after the break. Every game is going to be tough and we have to stay focused at all times”.

Fighting hard, following the game plan and scoring: “We knew we’d have to weather the storm to keep having a go at it. We were able to do that, we fought to the end and we knew the goal would come. That’s exactly what happened. The first thing was to manage our pressing and marking. The coach discussed that with us and we came out better. Then we just did what we always do, play from one side to the other, and it worked well. I’m pleased to have got the goal. Whenever I’m on the pitch I can do something for the team. I always want to play, but the coach is the one who makes the decisions. I always try to train my best so that I’m ready when my moment comes”.

At the end it was Lucas Vasquez’s turn: “The first half was tough. They showed incredible intensity and perhaps pressed a little higher in our half than usual. There are no easy games in the Champions League and we struggled a bit. They played very well in the first half but in the second we stuck together, pressed better and had more of the ball. That’s what ultimately handed us the win”.

“This win gives us confidence! The games are hard work in the Champions League, we were up against top opposition. Then you think, if we can do things a little bit better with the ball, we’ll have more chances of winning it. This win is absolutely crucial for us. It’s going to boost our confidence heading into the remaining games so we can qualify and finish top of the group”, he concluded.