Capitan Sergio Ramos shares Real Madrid’s keys to success
Real Madrid pulled off what many thought would be impossible despite being the title holders. Los Blancos showed up full steam ahead and made the most of the first-leg with a 3-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain. Here is what the players had to say after the match.
All quotes come via the Real Madrid official page.
Wednesday was Valentine’s Day but more importantly, it was the biggest game of the Champions League thus far. Somehow the team from the city of love was in need of it the most after 90 minutes.
Two of the biggest teams went head-to-head in an effort to dispel the other from the competition. With the first-leg complete, Real Madrid has the upper hand and three weeks to prepare for the second-leg in hopes of lifting the trophy once again.
After the match, players and managers from both sides took time to speak to the media about the result. Here is a breakdown of what was said by the players of Real Madrid and their reactions via social media. Zidane also addressed the media in regards to the win.
Sergio Ramos
Opening Statement
"“Vital win. This was one of the Champions League which I’ll remember throughout my career and the way we won is important for the return leg. We must continue on in this way and defend our Champions League title. We did brilliantly.” “This is no time to dwell on things and this team, despite conceding a goal, looked for that win with real integrity against a focused side. Despite what we all say, Real Madrid can never be written off”."
Appreciation for everyone playing their part
“This is what the competition needs, any error means you’re out. You have to be switched on all the time. In terms of goals, today we had that focus that we lacked previously and defensively we kept our shape well. Hats off to the team for their work.”
PSG’s blistering attack
“Defensively we need help. We suffered because they have fast attacking players, but we answered well. We must always respect our rivals. We took an important step forward but the tie is wide open, so we need to keep plugging away.”
The Bernabéu being the 12th man
“The fans were extraordinary. I’m happy with their response. When the Bernabéu is like that, everything is easier. They are our 12th man and we fly when they are behind us.”
Nacho
Opening Statement
"“We set off switched on, pressing high, very concentrated. They got ahead, making it difficult for us because conceding a goal at home is always complicated but the team didn’t stop, we were focused during the whole game and I think we deserved to win”. “We’re the team that has won the most Champions Leagues, these last few years have been great, it’s very hard to wear this badge, it’s a lot of responsibility and for those of us who are Real Madrid players, we are proud to play today, all Real Madrid fans can be proud.”"
Being tasked with Neymar
“The team had a great game in general, and I am happy, very happy. Neymar is a spectacular player. Of the matches that I played as a fullback for Real Madrid, marking a player like Neymar is very difficult. I’m happy with the game.”
Outcome of the match
“It’s 3-1, we would have liked to have kept a clean sheet, but it’s very open. PSG could cause us a lot of problems when they are at home, but we have time to prepare for it. We have to be happy with today’s game. It’s not over, but we’re happy because the goal was to win and in general we’ve put in a spectacular performance. We always turn up and perform for each other in these games.”