Alaves goalkeeper fires warning at Real Madrid: ‘We plan to take all three points’ | OneFootball

There is no hiding from the challenge ahead for Deportivo Alaves. 

A trip to face Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu is as tough as it gets in La Liga, but if you ask Antonio Sivera, there’s no room for fear.

Speaking ahead of the fixture, the Alaves goalkeeper made it clear that his side are not travelling to Madrid just to limit the damage. 

Their mindset is far more ambitious, even against one of Europe’s elite.

When asked whether a draw would be considered a good result, Sivera said,

“No. We’re focused on winning. We have planned the week to take all three points, and if that’s not possible, at least one. 

“We already made things difficult for them here at home, so why not put in a very serious performance at the Bernabéu? You have to dream big. 

“Every match that passes is gone for good. It doesn’t matter whether it’s Real Madrid or Getafe: they’re just as tough as we are.”

Facing Real Madrid at the Bernabeu

Naturally, the conversation turned to the atmosphere at the Bernabeu and whether external pressure on Madrid could play a role.

Sivera acknowledged the situation, but refused to rely on it.

Antonio Sivera is confident ahead of the Real Madrid tie. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

“When the river is turbulent, the fishermen win. But we’re not about to discover the quality of Real Madrid’s players now. A single detail could decide the match. 

“We’re not thinking about whether they’re in better or worse form. What we have to do is focus on ourselves, on performing at our very best. 

“If we have one of our best nights out there and make the most of every chance we’re given, we can get something positive out of it. 

“The most important thing is to stay focused for the full 90 minutes.”

Facing Barcelona and Real Madrid

For a goalkeeper, matches like these often become defining moments. 

With Barcelona also awaiting later in the schedule, Sivera was asked about the difference between facing the two Spanish giants, and his answer was telling.

“Honestly, it makes little difference to me. Ultimately, they’re players with tremendous decision-making speed and physicality. 

“With a single move, they can turn many situations around in the final third. I don’t think about whether it’s Barça or Madrid, but rather the quality of their players. 

“I try to study their best weapons and their best shots a little, but it doesn’t change anything for me. They’re special players who play for the big clubs, and you can tell. 

“If you leave them just a 1% chance, they’ll go for that 1%. I don’t stop to think whether the player in front of me is Mbappé or Ferran Torres,” he concluded.

Source: SPORT