Cucurella, Valverde react after Real Madrid 4-1 Real Sociedad: ‘The second half was fantastic’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid produced an all-round performance at the Santiago Bernabeu last night, stepping up across all three departments and taking home a 4-1 win.

While the first-half was relatively shaky, the men in white came back stronger after the break and demolished their Basque opposition.

Kylian Mbappe finished the game as the man-of-the-match with a hat-trick to his name, but Vinicius Jr., Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler and even the defenders had fantastic games.

Captain’s words

Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde spoke to the media after the team’s win last night and expressed how the dressing room was in great spirits under Jose Mourinho.

“I saw the team excited and with a great desire. We worked very well, and I think we just lacked a bit of patience after scoring the first goal, to keep the ball more and play with composure with the scoreline.”

Valverde analysed the match in detail. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Elaborating on how there was a period of difficulty and how they overcame the same, the Uruguayan star said,

“We struggled a little and conceded the equaliser, and it’s always hard to regain the initiative, but I think the halftime talk was helpful and made us improve on several things, and the second half was fantastic.”

Valverde then praised Kylian Mbappe for his stunning hat-trick and explained how the Frenchman was central to the team’s success.

“As I always say, you have to enjoy Kylian Mbappé and make the most of him as much as possible, and pass him thousands of balls so that he feels comfortable and is doing well and can score the goals and be happy.”

“What he did today he does in many matches throughout the year, so we’ll keep enjoying him and I hope he keeps scoring,” he added.

Finally, the midfielder gave his thoughts on how it felt to be the first-captain of the team at the Bernabeu.

“Unbelievable, a day that will stay etched in my memory for the rest of my life and I’ll never forget it.”

“My family was up there and they told me they were really moved, so I’ll enjoy this day, but the most important thing is always Real Madrid and that the team wins,” he added.

Cucurella’s thoughts

Cucurella was honoured by the Santiago Bernabeu crowd. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Real Madrid’s new signing Marc Cucurella also faced the media on the sidelines and explained his feelings after playing for the first time as a Real Madrid player at the Bernabeu.

“This was the first day my family was at the Bernabeu and it has been very emotional. I’m very happy, I hope there are many nights like this.”

Cucurella was the sole representative of the World Cup-winning Spanish team from Real Madrid last night and presented the trophy to the fans. Speaking on that special moment, the defender said,

“I have felt privileged; not many can show such an important trophy in this stadium and I am very grateful for the affection. Things are just starting.”

The player then heaped praise on Kylian Mbappe and Jose Mourinho, both of whom are currently pillars of the project.

“When Kylian Mbappé is locked in, this team is even more dangerous.”

“Jose Mourinho? You can see what we’ve worked on. He’s managing it very well.”

Source: Real Madrid website