Valverde, Asencio react after Real Madrid 5-1 Real Betis: ‘We have to maintain the same level’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid tore through Real Betis with a dominant 5-1 scoreline last night at the Santiago Bernabeu, starting the new year in an emphatic fashion.

With Kylian Mbappe out, the eyes were always on the forward line to see who steps up by taking responsibility, and it was Gonzalo Garcia who did so with a stunning hat-trick.

That, coupled with goals from Raul Asencio and Fran Garcia, wrapped up a special result.

Captain speaks

Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde was elated after the team’s dominant performance and win and he did not hold back when talking to the media after the game.

“It was a really good performance. In the first 30-35 minutes of the first half, it was unbelievable: we pressed, played well, and found the space.

“The closing minutes of the first half are something we need to keep working to improve on.

Federico Valverde was happy with the performance. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

“We have to maintain the same levels of intensity and concentration. We took our foot off the gas too much because of the score, and they attacked us a lot and created chances,” he added.

He then naturally went on to praise Gonzalo Garcia, the man of the moment and the hat-trick hero.

“Of course, we have to congratulate Gonzalo; it was his night. He deserves it, he always works hard, always gives everything for the team, and never misses a game.

“He deserves everything that went his way today,” he added.

Finally, Valverde was optimistic about Real Madrid’s chances in the upcoming Spanish Super Cup.

“Now we need to rest up, take a bit of a breather, and find the energy that’s hard to recover after a game. We need it to head into the Super Cup, which is really important.”

Asencio’s thoughts

Raul Asencio, who scored a goal on the night, was the next player to face the media and he made it clear how important the win was.

Raul Asencio was on the scoresheet. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

“It was important to start the year this way: at home and giving a different image from the end of last year. It was an important game for us to face what is coming now.”

On how it felt to score his first goal for Real Madrid, the player said,

“I hadn’t scored a goal for a long time, and doing it in front of the fans has been something very nice.”

“I was lucky enough to receive a great cross from Rodrygo and I took the opportunity to score my first goal. I hope many more come in front of our people,” he added.

The player was then asked about his celebration that he featured after scoring, and his reply was something rather unexpectedly heart-warming.

“There was a boy who came today, he is now living in Madrid, but he is Canarian; his name is Elías, he has leukaemia and has been fighting the disease for a long time.”

“It was very nice that, just the day he came, I was able to score the goal. It was the right thing to dedicate it to him. I’m sure he has enjoyed it very much and we will have to invite him many more times,” he added.

Finally, the defender gave his honest thoughts on the Supercopa de Espana to be played this week.

“It was important today to have good feelings to face what is coming. In the end, it is an important competition for us and against great rivals.”

“We go with all the illusions in the world. Leaving the Bernabéu with these sensations gives us a plus of energy,” he added.

Source: Real Madrid website