Carreras, Valverde react after Getafe 0-1 Real Madrid – ‘We knew it was going to be a difficult night’ | OneFootball

Arda Guler and Kylian Mbappe combined for Real Madrid’s late winner away against Getafe last night, but the goal did not come easily by any means.

Jose Bordalas’ men put up a strong fight, one worthy of a draw at least in terms of the result. A late red card for Allan Nyom, however, gave Real Madrid more impetus to attack and it is no surprise the goal came just three minutes later.

Getafe came close to equalising despite being two men down in the dying minutes of the game, but Thibaut Courtois’ save kept the men in white in it and helped them coast to three points.

Carreras happy with win

Alvaro Carreras spoke to the media after the win and emphasised the importance of taking all three points at Coliseum Alfonso Perez.

“The important thing is the three points. We knew it was going to be a difficult night, but you have to know how to compete and come to these grounds to get the win because that’s what will win you titles.”

Elaborating on what made the game so challenging and demanding, the defender said,

“The most difficult thing was moving them around on a dry pitch like that. We were patient, we moved the ball from side to side, and in the end, the goal came through the middle. We’re still aiming to win everything.”

Carreras was then asked about the camaraderie in the dressing room and how the players got along with each other behind the scenes.

“There’s a very good relationship in the dressing room. We all support each other and that’s vital. Being together is the main thing for winning everything.”

The player even spoke about how he was excited and looking forward to the upcoming games against Juventus and Barcelona.

“I’m really looking forward to going home. We know we’re all together and that the fans are behind us. I’m really looking forward to going back to the Bernabéu”.

Finally, the player signed off by giving his two cents on how he saw a back four vs a back five in terms of his comfort.

“Sometimes in a back four I can’t get forward as much, but I feel comfortable in any defence and I don’t have a problem.”

Valverde’s thoughts

Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde was the next player to face the media, and he once again emphasised how Getafe were a tricky opponent to take three points against.

“It’s a very important win. We knew it was going to be a very difficult game. We did a good job defensively and offensively, we worked well throughout the game.”

“They are a good team. They defend really well and have their moments to attack. We were very focused whenever they had the ball. That was important,” he added.

Valverde hails the substitutes after Getafe win. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Speaking on how the substitutes changed the game, the Uruguayan star said,

“I think the players who came off the bench did a magnificent job, which shows that the team is in good shape, united, all pulling in the same direction, and that’s the best thing.”

Praising Getafe for their resilience and display which could well have ended with both sides splitting points, the player said,

“Getafe are a very competitive team, always fighting for European places, and there’s a reason for that. They’re good and they work hard. They’re a very balanced team in every position and each player knows what he has to do.”

“That’s why we find it so difficult when we have to play against them. They work hard in defence and that wears you down physically and mentally,” he added.

The midfielder then spoke on the key Real Madrid had that helped them unlock the defence.

“But with the forwards we have, we were able to have that patience that we sometimes struggle to have, and today we had it and we found the goal.”

Valverde was then asked what position the manager expects him to operate in on the field, to which he said,

“The coach asks me to try to connect with the winger playing alongside me, to try to make one-two passes, to follow the ball, and drive forward. Never stand still.”

“Today we tried to play much more down the left, because according to what we had seen in the videos and what the coach had asked for, we were going to find much more space, we were going to have more players free,” he added.

On how Vinicius Jr. changed the dynamics of the game after coming on, Valverde said,

“When Vini Jr. came on down that wing, we created a lot more. He attracts a lot of defenders, which gives other players much more space to play. After that, we worked well.”

The midfield star also praised Kylian Mbappe – the goalscorer on the night – for his continued run of form.

“Try to enjoy it, give him a lot more passes, let him enjoy himself like the other forwards. Let him be as close to the goal as possible to score as many goals as possible. I’m always happy when anyone scores a goal because it gives us all the victory.”

Looking ahead to a big week that includes the Clasico and a midweek game against Juventus, Valverde said,

“It’s important now to rest after this match, which was quite tough. It’s a week in which every player wants to play these matches. When you’re a kid, you dream of playing these matches.”

“We’re going to really enjoy the Champions League match we have against Juventus, which for me is going to be a very nice evening with our fans, and then prepare for the big match which is what we all want,” he added.

Source: Real Madrid website