Playing a man down at Estadio de Mendizorroza, Real Madrid were staring at a poor result in the eye last night. Until the 90th minute, it appeared set that the Merengues would drop points against Alaves.
Yet, as they have done so many times before, Real Madrid stepped up when the pressure was the highest. A late winner in stoppage time helped ten-man Real Madrid to a crucial 1-0 win that has massive implications for the league standings.
Lucas Vazquez, who scored the only goal of the game, spoke to the media after his team’s win on the night and did not hold back in expressing his pride over the group’s attitude and his last-gasp winner.
“It is clear that we are leaving with a very good taste in the mouth. It has been a complicated match in which we have been able to suffer with the expulsion. We have endured until the end and we took a prize that I think is deserved on our part.”
Vazquez then commented on the team’s never-say-never attitude and how they gunned for three points even when all hope seemed lost.
“At no time have we hesitated to want to go for the victory, it didn’t matter to be with one less. The team has not lowered the level at any time and it is to be happy.”
Describing his goal that gave the team a narrow 1-0 win, he said: “I try to block Rüdiger’s mark, I stay in the area, I just drop the ball and I’m lucky to be able to put it in.”
The defender was then asked about his general feelings after the game and the spirit in the dressing room that enabled them to pull off such final-minute wins.
“Very happy. It shows the unity that is in this team. In the face of adversity, we know how to unite and all work in the same direction. It’s very beautiful.”
“We were a player short from early and the team has been able to get together, defend and attack. At no time have we noticed it,” he added.
Finally, Vazquez urged his teammates to maintain the same level next year and aim for the stars.
“It is important for us to go on vacation as leaders. In 2024 you have to try to continue with the same streak, these good feelings and good dynamics. Let’s go for more.”
Fran Garcia happy to end the year with a win
Fran Garcia was the next player in white to talk to the media after the game.
“We wanted to close the year on the right foot and we are happy because we have achieved three important points,” he began, emphasising the importance of the win that brought Real Madrid back on level terms with Girona.
Commenting on the team’s unity after Nacho’s red card, Garcia said: “We knew that we had to be together after the expulsion and there has been a great commitment on the part of everyone.
“We are leaving with a good feeling and now to recharge our batteries, which is the most important thing.”
The left-back went on to describe the team’s last-minute winner and how it was to experience the enthralling buildup from a player’s perspective.
“I was closing in the back and I have seen it very clearly. I have seen how it ran and how it went. It was incredible. Madrid is different and always goes to the end. I’m happy for Lucas.”
When asked about Real Madrid’s unreal ability to steal wins at the end, the defender insisted that it was far more than a mere luck factor involved.
“There is no better way to explain it than today’s situation. That it is repeated so many times is not a coincidence.”
Finally, Garcia completed his interaction by praising the team and their ambition to be the best, saying,
“This group is incredible and we have to come from the holidays with the same ambition that we have shown so far.”