Valverde, Courtois react after Villarreal 0-2 Real Madrid: ‘These victories strengthen you’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid took over as the leaders of La Liga with three massive points against Villarreal last night in a game that was anything but easy.

After the first half ended goalless, Kylian Mbappe took a half-chance and buried it to hand Real Madrid the lead which they carefully defended until the 90th minute.

A late penalty in extra-time then went on to double the lead and seal the result, giving the dressing room a much-needed boost.

Valverde’s post-match words

Facing the media after the game, Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde spoke about what the result meant to the dressing room, especially given how hard they had to fight for it.

“The important thing was to win and take all three points at this stadium, which is always very difficult against a tough opponent.”

“We played very well in the first half, but we failed to convert our chances into goals, and that sometimes hurts us when it comes to defending. In the second half, we were a bit more relaxed,” he added on the performance.

Speaking on what the team improved after the break, Valverde said,

“The manager asked us to move the ball around more quickly, and we did that. Then, the opposition had to come out and look for the equaliser, and with more space, we improved a lot. We’re taking the three points, which is what matters,” he added.

Valverde then spoke on the importance of defending as a collective, saying,

“I think the most important thing is that when we don’t have the ball, all eleven players are willing to help and run for each other. This benefits us when we attack, we feel more relaxed and have more space.” 

The midfielder was also all praise for Thibaut Courtois who was again stunning in goal.

“I always say that having Courtois in goal makes everything easier. If they get to us, we know he’s between the sticks and will always step up.”

“When we work well in defence, it’s thanks to the forwards. They put in the effort so that we don’t have to run as much and can win the ball back as high up the pitch as possible. This is down to everyone,” he added.

Praising Real Madrid’s lethal attacking options, Valverde emphasised how they can hurt any team in the world with their quality.

“Any ball that comes their way, with space and facing the goal, they can create scoring opportunities.”

Finally, the player was asked about the UEFA Champions League and the team’s motivation to finish in the top-8.

“It motivates us. I see a lot of momentum in terms of morale. These victories strengthen you as a group.”

“That energy that we sometimes lacked because we weren’t getting results, we’re getting now. Stay calm and go for the three points in Portugal so we can get into the top 8 and rest for a couple of games,” he added.

Courtois’ thoughts

Courtois kept another clean sheet against Villarreal. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Thibaut Courtois also faced the media after the game, and the goalkeeper was all praise for the team’s grit and performance.

“From the beginning we have taken the initiative, both to press up and for what the coach wanted, from side to side.”

Speaking on Alvaro Arbeloa’s ideologies and impact so far, he said,

“We are adapting better and better to the coach’s ideas. As a team, together, we are all improving. When you win, everything goes easier and there is more confidence, and when there is more confidence everything goes better.”

Speaking on what the clean sheet against Villarreal meant to him, the player said,

“A lot. Matches against Villarreal are usually tough. Therefore, it has merit to keep the goals at zero and that helps us to go to Lisbon to do the same.”

“We are going to win to secure the top 8 and thus have time, because after the match against Rayo, if we do our word right on Wednesday, we have a lot of time to rest and train. Get perfect for the last stretch of the League,” he added.

The player also spoke on the team union, the same concept Arbeloa spoke in depth about during his press conference.

“It’s important. It’s something we’ve always had, but sometimes when things are more difficult I don’t say it gets worse, but the union is very good.”

“That union is important because football is a team sport, and for some to stand out the team must stand out together. Then for talent and quality, you can stand out from others individually. But, first, if we do it as a team, the rest comes out by itself.”

Finally, he praised Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe and everything that they bring to the field.

“A lot. In the end, they unbalance the other teams a lot. They are a terror for the defense. They have so much quality and so much overflow that at some point there will always be that gap.”

“I hope they can continue to give us those joys. Not only them, but we are all, and many others can contribute in attack,” he added.

Source: Real Madrid website