Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio made a memorable debut for the senior team during their victory over Osasuna.
The 21-year-old central defender came on in the first half to replace Eder Militao and quickly impressed with his performance. Notably, he provided a brilliant assist to Jude Bellingham, helping the team secure their second goal.
For Asencio, this was the culmination of a long-held dream. He admitted that the opportunity to play for the first team was something he had aspired to ever since he started playing football.
“I have dreamed of this ever since I started playing football. It is the dream of every boy who takes his first steps in football. To have been able to fulfil this dream… I cannot find the words to describe it,” he told Real Madrid TV.
Debut experience
He further described his experience on the pitch, mentioning how he quickly adapted to the pace of the game. Asencio highlighted the ease of playing alongside top-tier professionals like Bellingham, noting that it was a great help to have such skilled teammates.
He explained that the players around him make it much easier to perform, making the experience feel natural despite its significance.
“I came onto the pitch, it didn’t take me long to get used to the situation and I saw Bellingham’s movement. It’s very easy to play alongside them, they are the best players in the world and they make things very easy.”
The support and encouragement from his teammates were also crucial to his debut. Asencio shared that moments like these leave him speechless, as they reflect the close-knit nature of the squad.
“At such moments few words come out. It is a demonstration of what the team is, it is a family and in the training sessions I am with them I notice it. I will keep this in my heart and in my head for life,” he noted.
Luka Modric’s take
Meanwhile, Luka Modric spoke about the importance of unity within the team. He emphasized that if Real Madrid maintain the same level of togetherness they showed last season, alongside their undeniable talent, the team could be a serious contender for all major titles.
“The most important thing is that if we manage to have the unity we had last year and that we have had this year as well, then the quality and talent can come out and we can be very strong again and fight for all the titles.”
The Croatian midfielder acknowledged that challenges are a part of football, but having a unified squad will help them navigate difficult times. He expressed confidence that, with the right team spirit, Real Madrid could overcome setbacks and emerge stronger.
“Without this, it will be very difficult. It is not the first time we are in a situation like this. I have been here for many years, we have had problems and we knew how to get out of bad times.
“We do not allow anyone from outside to distract us, because nothing can help you. We have to do it as a group because we get along very well with a spectacular atmosphere,”
Modric also clarified a previous statement about team unity. He reassured fans that there is no lack of cohesion within the squad, despite a few difficult moments on the pitch.
“I have not said that we are not united. I have said that we have to be united always, but it does not mean that we have not been united. We have had good moments this year.”
He highlighted the positive atmosphere and the strong connections between the players, adding that setbacks, such as the games against Barcelona and Milan, do not define the season. Ultimately, the team’s unity and resilience are what will allow them to fight for every title.
“Because of the game against Barcelona and Milan, we are not going to throw everything away. I repeat, it does not mean that we do not have unity, but sometimes there are things that do not go as you want on the field and that is football, not mathematics,” he said.
