Valverde and Bellingham open up on penalty shootout win over Atletico – ‘It’s time to enjoy’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid secured a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Atletico Madrid, with Federico Valverde sharing his thoughts on the intense clash.

The Uruguayan midfielder reflected on the team’s approach to the game, acknowledging that they may have taken their foot off the gas too early.

He admitted that Real Madrid started the match as if they had already secured the win, which played into Atletico’s strengths.

“It always happens to us. We came out as if the game was already won, and that really bothered us,” he began saying.

Given Atletico’s well-organised defensive structure, allowing them to take control made things far more difficult for Los Blancos.

“It’s not the same thing for Atleti to have to attack as it is for them to have to defend, because they defend well. We gave them that power; they’re good at that.”

Players are tired

Federico Valvarde explained the pressure during penalty shootout. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Valverde also highlighted the physical toll the match took on the squad, pointing out how exhaustion was evident as the game progressed.

Despite that, the team found a way to push through and secure victory. “We’re all very tired. It really showed. Luckily, we were able to win.”

When discussing the penalty shootout, he described the experience as nerve-wracking, knowing the weight of responsibility that comes with taking a spot-kick.

With so many people depending on him—teammates, coaching staff, and club employees—missing would have been a major disappointment.

“Anyone who has taken a penalty knows that scoring one is a lot of relief. You know you have a lot of people behind you, teammates, people who work at the training ground, if you don’t score, you’re letting them down.

“But it went in. Now it’s time to enjoy the moment,” he added.

Jude Bellingham’s take

Jude Bellingham put on a positive show. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Jude Bellingham also spoke after the game, expressing his happiness at having his parents in the stands.

The young English midfielder admitted feeling slightly concerned about his father attending due to the hostile atmosphere, but the club ensured they were looked after.

“My parents were at the game. I was a bit worried about my dad coming, because of the hostile environment, but the club managed to help them out.

“It’s nice, no matter how old you are, it’s always nice to see your Mom and Dad in the stands,” said the midfielder.

Mental strength

Bellingham explained the importance of mental strenght. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Bellingham was one of the four successful penalty takers for Real Madrid, helping set up a quarter-final clash against Premier League giants Arsenal.

He spoke about the team’s ability to adapt to different match situations, emphasising the shift in mentality required in high-stakes games.

“There is a change of mentality when we come into these games, we know that there’s a certain way of winning games.

“We’re very good at that. We understand game situations really well, and tonight was another example.”

On Vinicius Jr.

Bellingham took a stand for Vinicius Jr. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

He also commented on Vinicius Jr., who missed a penalty during the match that could have secured victory before the shootout.

However, Bellingham stressed that the team has full confidence in Vinicius, given his history of delivering in crucial moments. A missed penalty does not change the impact he has on the squad, as he consistently plays a vital role in securing wins.

“We have a lot of trust in Vini, he has scored so many important goals and also penalties before, so this miss does not really matter to us.

“He helps us in many other ways, he wins us so many games, these things happen,” he added.

Source: Mundo Deportivo