Player reactions from Real Madrid’s 3-0 win over Juventus
Real Madrid had an amazing night in Turin with a spectacular 3-0 win against Juventus. The team will head back to Madrid for the second-leg which will take place next week. Here’s a look at what the players had to say after the match and social media reactions.
All quotes have been taken directly from the official Real Madrid page.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Opening Statement
“It was a very good team performance. Obviously people are talking about the second goal, it was amazing, probably the best of my career. The team looked great, I think we played very well and we’re one step closer to the semi-final.”
A Dream Goal
“I once scored one with the national team which hit the post and went in, but the referee didn’t see it. This was a bit better, it was spectacular. I jumped very high and it’s a goal that will live long in the memory. It’s probably my best goal. As many people have said, I’ve been looking to do it for a while, but it depends on the circumstances of the game. It just came to me to give it a go, you always have to try it. I tried it today and it came off.”
Applause from the Juventus fans
“It was one of the most poignant moments of the night. To receive applause from a stadium like this, which has been graced by great players, is a unique experience. I’m really happy. When I was a kid, I liked Juventus and the fact that their fans have clapped me will stay with me and is a great memory. To all of the Italians in the stadium I just want to say Grazie.”
Message to the fans
“To those who’ve travelled to Turin, thank you for your support and to those back in Madrid, I’d ask them to continue to back the team and tell them that we’re going to keep going right until the end.”
Keylor Navas
Opening Statement
“We’re happy. We were up against great opposition and it’s not easy to win 3-0 away from home and it leaves us with a really positive vibe. We’ve got to keep our feet on the ground and be gracious because that’s what has got us this far. Our opponents are tough, they’ve got their strengths and never have we thought that we’re better than anyone. We believe in our own ability and that’s what has brought good results.”
Return Leg in Madrid
“We’ve got to play the second leg yet and you never know, although we have got a good lead and we’re going to look to protect it at home and book our place in the next round.”
Ronaldo’s Goal
“It was a tremendous goal. I was behind it and when I saw the cross go in I thought that he’d have to do a bicycle kick because there was nothing else on. He leaped incredibly well and put it out of the keeper’s reach. It was a goal that was deserving of the applause it drew from the whole stadium.”
Casemiro
Opening Statement
"“We didn’t think for a minute that it would end in a 3-0 away win, but it’s a great result here and we put in a terrific display against great opposition. The tie isn’t over. We know how things can go in football but this is an incredible result against brilliant opposition.” “Champions League quarter-finals are decided on small details and Dybala’s sending off made it easier for us to play, they sat deep, but when it was eleven versus eleven, it was a Champions League clash which could have gone either way.”"
On Cristiano
“Speaking about Cristiano is… we’re always talking about him and I’ve got something I like to say which is: keep enjoying the best in the world and how he plays the game, because what he does is unbelievable. The wonder goal he scored… he’s the best in the world. We have to keep enjoying his football, his goals, he’s hard work and leadership in the dressing room. The longer he’s with us, the better.”
Raphael Varane
Opening statement
"“It’s a great result. The whole team worked really hard and we’re pleased. We’re going to move forward with cool heads, remaining calm, but we can enjoy ourselves a bit because this was a special game.Cristiano scored a sublime goal and the ovation around the stadium showed real class. It was a pleasant surprise; my utmost respect goes to the fans because it was a nice gesture.” “The coach is relaxed. We’re fully behind him. We’re focused on achieving our aims in the run-in. The coach has a lot of options available to him with many players all trying to do their best and we have to keep this up until the end of the season. We’re all important to him. We’ve got some very good players in many positions.”"