Ex-Real Madrid defender excited to face club in Copa Del Rey: ‘Expecting a great match’ | OneFootball

Following a defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, Real Madrid will shift their focus to the Copa Del Rey, with Los Blancos slated to take on Albacete in the Round of 16 this midweek.

It promises to be a special game for former Real Madrid defender Jesus Vallejo, who joined Albacete on a free transfer last summer and is now one of the most important players for his team.

Vallejo spoke to the media (h/t AS) ahead of this enticing Copa Del Rey clash, talking about his history at Real Madrid and whether or not Albacete have any chance of pulling off an upset.

What Vallejo said ahead of Real Madrid clash

Vallejo, though, appeared quite focused on doing well for Albacete and is currently not thinking about his moments at Real Madrid.

“I work day by day and I don’t like to dwell on the past; I cherish the moments that have helped me more than the titles,” he said.

Talking about Real Madrid’s defeat to Barcelona, Vallejo stated that Los Blancos might bounce back strongly.

“After defeats, teams have sometimes bounced back and made spectacular comebacks, so we have to be prepared for everything and see which players will be available. From there, we must focus on our own game,” he said.

Talking about his role at Albacete, Vallejo revealed that he had spent a lot of time with Dani Carvajal and Dani Ceballos after the draw had initially come to light.

“I’m delighted to help, and we’ve already talked a few things with my teammates in the locker room, although they’re players everyone knows. I’ll try to do my bit by telling our strikers about their centre-backs, and we’ll see if we can all pull it off,” he said.

All eyes will be on Jesus Vallejo this midweek. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“I spent the most time with Dani Ceballos and Carvajal, and when the draw came out, they were also very excited to come, as were the physios. Real Madrid has also been doing quite well in the Cup lately, so we’re expecting a great match,” he added.

Vallejo, who appeared in only 35 competitive matches for Real Madrid during his ten-year spell at the Bernabeu, explained whether or not it is possible for Albecete to pull off an upset this midweek.

“We’re incredibly excited and working incredibly hard to give our all. We know we have a historic opportunity, and it’s our responsibility and passion to seize it. Hopefully, we can celebrate,” he said.

“We know it’s very difficult to reach the round of 16 and draw Real Madrid, so we’re going for it because they’re right there in front of us.

“We have to cling to every opportunity. I don’t know what the odds were against Celta, but the team stood up to them and never felt intimidated,” he added.

The former Eintracht Frankfurt defender admitted Albacete will give everything possible to secure an upset and seal a place in the quarterfinals.

“Many times, passion and effort can overcome the individual quality of the opponent. I don’t see any nerves, just tremendous motivation from everyone who works at the club,” he said.

“I think the team is going to give their all because everything is being prepared meticulously,” Vallejo added.

Finally, Jesus Vallejo urged fans to support Albacete as a team and not get too worked up about the fact that the team is facing one of the biggest teams in the world in Real Madrid.

“I like that people are happy because they drew Real Madrid, but I’d like it even more if they cheered us on, celebrated our goals, and also celebrated corner kicks, dangerous plays, and good defensive plays, and not just focus on Real Madrid’s plays,” he said.

“What excites me most is having people support us. It’s good that Real Madrid is generating excitement, but for the city of Albacete, it would be great if only those who truly want to support the team came, so that Albacete can beat Real Madrid.

“It’s normal that there are scalpers, but hopefully, it’s people who want to support us,” he concluded.