Oviedo forward plays down pressure of facing Real Madrid – ‘Just another game’ | OneFootball

Real Oviedo forward Haissem Hassan has insisted that the occasion of facing Real Madrid brings him no added pressure.

For the 23-year-old, the meeting with Los Blancos is part of the normal rhythm of the season, even if the opponent is one of the biggest clubs in world football.

“It’s just another game. We know they are one of the best teams in the world, with everything that means, but when we went up, we knew every matchday was going to be incredibly tough and that we were going to face the best,” he told AS.

“It may be special because of the name of the opponent, but for me personally, it’s just another game,” he explained.

More on facing Real Madrid

Looking ahead to what it takes to upset Real Madrid, Hassan remained realistic but confident in the team’s plan. “There’s no magic key,” he noted.

“You have to play without fear, be united in attack and defence, because if one of them is missing, they’ll kill you. And maximum concentration: against these teams, a mistake is costly,” he said.

Haissem Hassan is looking forward to facing Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

He also touched on the challenge of facing Madrid’s new full-back. “I don’t know him very well, but if Madrid has signed him, he’ll be a great player.

“I already knew that when I moved up to the First Division, I’d have to face much better opponents than in the Second Division. It’s a challenge, but I’m not afraid of it: I have faith in myself.”

On Mbappe and title favourites

On Kylian Mbappe, Hassan kept his answer short but respectful. “He’s one of the best players in the world. There’s nothing more to say.

“But it’s not just him; Madrid has many top players. We have to be focused on everyone.”

Finally, when asked who he sees as the favourite to win La Liga, Hassan gave a balanced view. “I think it’ll be between Barça, Madrid, and Atletico.

“I think Barça is doing well, Madrid has a new coach and maybe needs time, but they have an incredible squad. And Atlético is always there. Honestly, I’m focused on our own,” he concluded.