Keylor Navas commends Real Madrid’s defense in post-match interview

Real Madrid played an early match Saturday against Alavés crushing their opponents 4-0. Here’s a look at what the players had to say after the match and their social media reactions.

The first half was full of end to end open action but Madrid made sure to take the lead just before halftime. The second half commenced with a goal from Gareth Bale just a minute in. Ronaldo would add another goal making it 3-0 and finally Karim Benzema from the penalty spot in the dying moments.

Zidane’s men did more than win this match, the side displayed signs and attitudes that we have not witness for quite some time now. Madrid played with incredible fluidity and pace, the team looked fresh with their quick pressing all throughout the match.

It was not smooth sailing for Real but the perseverance was ever present and that attitude is what spoke volumes. Here is a look at what the players did say after the strong showing against Alavés.

All quotes have been taken from the Official Real Madrid page. 

Lucas Vazquez

Opening Statement

"“Winning by a big margin is always really good for the team. We’re making the good vibes that we have been feeling for a while count and long may it continue.” “We’re enjoying a good spell. The team is looking very good and we’ve won our last few games comprehensively and that’s important for us. At the start of the season there were some games in which we played well but the fine margins meant that the ball just wasn’t going in for us. That saw us drop points and it’s as if that isn’t happening now. We’ll have to wait and see if we’ve got any chance in LaLiga, we have to focus on the job we have to do, which is winning games, and then wait on the results to see if someone slips up.”"

Benzema returning to form

“He had a terrific game, provided two assists and scored… We’re really happy with his efforts and let’s hope that this continues. He’s bang on form right now.”

Picking up an assist and another start

“It has got nothing to do with it. I see myself as being in good shape, I’m happy with the game time I’m getting and the opportunities the gaffer is giving me. You’ve always got to be ready to do your bit for the team.”

Keylor Navas

A confidence boost

“Alavés played well but we had good spells and made the most of our chances to score goals and this win really helps our confidence. We were better defensively than we have been in recent games and we come away with a clean sheet. We have to keep going and win every game. We know LaLiga is going to be tough, but we’ll keep our faith to the end.”

Cristiano showing true leadership

"“Cristiano’s gesture speaks volumes for the type of team this is and how he is as a person. We’re all pulling in the same direction and we have to show our unity more than ever. We’re thrilled with Karim’s goal, as teammates, we have to stick together. We’re always going to fight for each other and while there is a lot of talk about Karim at the moment, we have to support one another.” “You work hard to keep out the chances that present themselves over the course of a game. When you help the team, of course you’re satisfied and raring for the next week to start. I don’t have to prove anything to anyone. I know exactly who I am, what I do and what I’m worth. I don’t have to come out here and tell anybody anything.”"

Theo Hernandez

Perseverance of Real Madrid

“We knew Alavés came into the game on a great run and they played very well, but we created chances and we took them today. I’m thrilled with the win. We have to keep working, turning our attentions to Tuesday’s match now. LaLiga won’t be easy but we’re going to keep battling to finish as high up as possible.”

Personal form

“I’m happy on an individual level, and for the team’s performance. Marcelo is a wonderful player, he really helps me out. I’m going to keep working hard to be in the starting line-up.”

Mateo Kovacic

A strong performance

“It looks as though it was an easy game, but it was far from it, particularly in the first half. We scored before the break and in the second half, we started very well. When we start games like that, we’re tough to beat. We were very good at the back and it’s important to have kept a clean sheet. I was a bit down after coming back from the injury but I’m getting back into the swing of things and feeling great.”

Bale and Benzema come up big

“Bale played on the left but he does really well wherever he plays. He put in a great performance and really helped out, both in defence and attack. Karim also made a big contribution between the lines and got himself a goal. He delivered a really good performance. He’s a striker and the fans want to see him getting goals, but when he doesn’t get his name on the scoresheet he still plays very well.”

Ceballos’ and Real Madrid’s form

“He’s my teammate and is a great player with a big future ahead of him at Real Madrid. The substitution the other night was a bit of a tough one, but that’s how it goes in football and it’s really difficult to play for Madrid. You’ve got to fight and when you do that, things go for you. There’s still a long way to go this season and we’ve been performing very well of late. We’ve got to look to the future, take things one game at a time and look to play some good football.”