Real Madrid youngster reveals the story behind match-winning goal against Leganes – ‘I told Brahim that..’ | OneFootball

Luka Modric and Endrick gave Real Madrid an early and healthy 2-0 lead over Leganes by just the 25th minute of the Copa del Rey quarterfinal last night.

Los Blancos, however, conceded a late goal from Juan Cruz in the first half and allowed the same player to score the equalizer 14 minutes after the restart.

Just when it seemed like the game would end in a draw by the full-time whistle, substitute Gonzalo Garcia came up with a last-minute goal and stole the show for Real Madrid.

The match-winner speaks

Speaking to the media after his unforgettable first goal for the Real Madrid first-team, Garcia expressed his elation and emotions.

“I am very happy, happy, nervous, and with a lot of emotions. It’s been a dream since I was little and since I entered the academy. I am happy to have scored the goal that has given the pass to the semifinals.”

Gonzalo Garcia reveals the conversation with Brahim Diaz. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Remembering the goal he scored and how it came about, he revealed how he pre-planned it with Brahim Diaz, the assist-provider.

“The game was level and I knew that there were going to be set pieces or some corner. That’s why I was in the area to get any ball in.”

“I talked to Brahim and told him that, when he was at the bottom line, put it on. He told me to be there. He put it perfectly and the ball went in by itself,” he added.

Calling it the best day of his life, the academy star put into perspective what it meant to score such a critical goal for Los Blancos.

“It’s the happiest day of my career along with the debut day. Today’s surpasses it for the importance of the goal and for everything I’ve been working on this year. I’m very happy with the coaching staff and the players.”

Speaking on what made Real Madrid so special and how it felt to brush his shoulders with the best in the business including his idol, Garcia said,

“Here are the best players in the world, but if I have to stay with one it would be Mbappé. I see him in training and in the games. It’s an outrage.”

“Another idol is Cristiano in his time at Madrid. For me they are my references,” he added, naming his idols.

Finally, the youngster spoke about how it felt to be the top scorer in the Primera Federacion and the hard work he has been putting in this season.

“I am doing quite well personally with the numbers. It’s not my thing. It’s my job as a part of the team.”

“I score the goals, but the passes are from the rest of the teammates. I don’t give myself credit because soccer is played as a team,” he added humbly.

Valverde’ words

Federico Valverde spoke about the match. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Federico Valverde was the other player who faced the press after the game, and the Uruguayan star spoke about how much the qualification to the semifinal meant.

“I’m happy for the victory, for the qualification, and for advancing in the Cup. Until the second goal, we played a good game. We passed the ball from side to side, playing fast, looking for spaces and attacking.”

“That is the attitude that all players must have and we have to continue to improve,” he added.

The midfielder also spoke on how the team’s goals were always the priority over any individual achievement.

“When the team wins, the individual result is on a secondary level. I’m happy for the victory and for playing matches with this club.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming Madrid derby this weekend, Valverde insisted it would be a competitive and exhilarating game to be a part of.

“It’s always special not only for us but also for them. It’s a great game and hopefully, it will be a party for us.”

“We know that we can take a big step by winning in the Bernabéu. It is important to leave from the beginning with a lot of desire, strength, and with the vision of wanting to win,” he added.

Finally, the Uruguayan star spoke on the milestone he hit on the night as it was his 200th win with Real Madrid.

“I am proud and happy to fulfill stages in this club. This is part of my family, which collaborates so that every day I am in better shape.”

“We all pull for the same side, we are together and we are a team. I also want to thank the team because it’s a family. They are in good times and in bad,” he added.

Source: Real Madrid official website