Valverde, Courtois speak after Atletico Madrid 1-2 Real Madrid: ‘We want to win the final’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid secured a place in the final of the Supercopa de España last night with a narrow 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid, thus taking one big step towards their first title of the season.

Federico Valverde set the stage with a stunning free-kick goal just minutes into the game, giving Real Madrid the advantage and momentum in the game.

Rodrygo then scored another in the second half, but Atletico Madrid soon pulled one back.

In the end, some rigid defending and a strong performance by Thibaut Courtois helped Los Blancos to the finale.

Captain speaks

With a goal and an assist to his name, Federico Valverde stood out for Real Madrid last night, and he spoke on how it felt to play such a key role.

Valverde scored a stunning free-kick goal. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

“First goal of the year. After so many games without scoring, today was a great game to score again and for the team to win.”

“You also have to continue to be self-critical; we have had opportunities, but your team had many more.

“I think they played much better than us. We must continue to correct that and continue to improve. We are a great team,” he added.

Elaborating on what the team must do better, the player said,

“We have to be much more together in the moments when we have to suffer. It’s part of football, and you have to know how to suffer, attack and be together.”

The captain then spoke on how the early goal changed matters for Real Madrid and helped them on the night.

“One always wants to start by scoring. It’s very difficult to start by conceding and then turn the game around.

“We relaxed a little with the goal at the beginning, and it was difficult for us to have the ball and play our game.

“The game was practically that. We have had many opportunities but they have left for a counterattack or a theft. You have to be self-critical and keep improving,” he added.

Are the players tired?

Valverde was then asked about the team showing visible fatigue towards the end of the game and why that was so conspicuous on the night.

Real Madrid players looked a bit tired towards the end. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

“After so many matches that both teams have played. The heat here also affected all the players. We work and live for this, but there are moments when the body feels it.”

“It was noticeable that in the last few minutes it was very hard for both teams,” he added.

The captain also weighed in on the controversial conversation Diego Simeone had with Vinicius Jr on the night.

“Football and coaching code. It’s part of football. It’s a derby and it’s normal to experience it that way.”

“The important thing is that it stays on the pitch. Let football continue to experience the folklore and to have that spark,” he added.

Finally, he admitted he is looking forward to the Clasico in the final later this week.

“We have to be prepared, well-rested and mentally prepared to win.”

Courtois’ analysis

Thibaut Courtois was the other Real Madrid player to face the press last night and he spoke on the importance of the win.

“It is a very important victory. It’s a derby and we wanted to win after having lost in the League and also to play another final.

Courtois seemed content with the performance. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

“We have given everything and the effort has been very great because the field was not good and it was very hot.

“We defended and attacked as a team. We scored two great goals and we have defended well.

“They didn’t create great chances. Good game, important victory and we play another final that we want to win,” he added.

Speaking on Valverde’s stunning free-kick missile that gave them the lead on the night, Valverde said,

“It was a little gift to Roberto Carlos in Brazil. It was a great goal. I saw him leave and I said What a great goal!”

“I know that Fede strikes like crazy and no one expected the effect outside the barrier. He has drawn it like this, as in Oliver and Benji’s drawings,” he added.

He then weighed in on his moment of form and how he felt on a personal level.

“I feel very good and work very hard to continue at this level. After injuring my knee two years ago, there were many doubts from people, but I’m happy to prove that it was just a hurdle and that it means nothing.”

“I am very happy to continue playing at this level and I hope I can continue helping the team on Sunday,” he added.

Finally, the veteran spoke on the final against Barcelona and the motivation to win.

“We have to win. Last year we lost two finals against them, and we want to win, just like them, who lost the League Classic and will want revenge.”

“It will be a great game between two teams that will want to win. We have to recover well and have fresh legs on Sunday to win,” he added.

Source: Real Madrid website