Ahead of Real Madrid’s tie with Union Berlin on Tuesday night, Lucas Vázquez was the player put forward by the club to face the media and address their questions. The Spaniard spoke about the meaning of this game, and responded to a question from a journalist about whether the game was pointless as he said: “No, it’s not. There’s nothing more beautiful than a Champions League game with Real Madrid and that’s our motivation. We want to win every game, to defend our badge in this competition which has given us so much, which makes it an important game for all Real Madrid players.”
Vázquez on Jude Bellingham
“He’s a good player, eh? We’re all in love with him. From the first day and the first training session, I think we’ve all seen the kind of player he is and how he helps the team. He helps the team, not just with goals but with his hard work, and I think he’s enjoying his time at Real Madrid and we hope that continues.”
Vázquez on how Bellingham compares to Cristiano Ronaldo or Karim Benzema
“It’s early to say that. Jude’s start is impressive and we’ll all try to help him to carry on like that for many years. In the end, you’re talking about Cristiano and Karim and they are Real Madrid legends, I hope he can get close to them.”
Vázquez on the team’s form
“I think the team is in very good form. We’ve had a very good start to the season and our objective is to win every game in the group stage and we’ll try to do that and have a great game.”
Vázquez on squad depth
“This season with all the injuries we’ve had, the team hasn’t dropped the level of performance at all. Whoever comes in, the team carries on. That speaks well of the substitutes, we are coming in well which helps us to keep up the team’s level.”
Vázquez on whether he’d renew his contract
“Time goes by quickly! Yes, of course. Real Madrid is the dream I’ve had since I was little, it’s my home and I’m very happy here, so of course.”
Vázquez on his role
“It’s difficult to define yourself, no? I always try to do the best I can and give my all and perform well. I always try to play as well as I can for myself and for everyone.”
Vázquez on adapting mentally to coming in and out of the side
“There are good moments and bad moments. When you aren’t getting minutes or you don’t feel important, you feel bad. You have to keep your head cool and train to the max, knowing that you’re capable and believing in yourself. I don’t lack that. I’m at Real Madrid, where I’ve always want to be, so I will give my all for myself and for my club.”
Vázquez on chances of success without a number nine
“That’s our objective. The fact that we don’t have a nine means that everyone wants to add more, and we’re seeing that all the players in attack are scoring quite a few goals and that makes us candidates for everything.”
Vázquez on how Real Madrid compare to Manchester City
“Well, whether we are favourites or not doesn’t bother us. We always try to show all we can to try to win the competition. What’s in our heads right now is to win tomorrow, then the last 16, then the quarter final and then the semi-final. That’s what we’re focused on, nobody else.”
Vázquez on Union Berlin
“The first game was the first in the group stage. It was a complicated game at the Bernabéu and we couldn’t get the win until the very end. They’re a team who defend well and can get in behind you. It will be a good game and we’ll be focused on getting the win.”
Vázquez on Antonio Rüdiger
“Only a bit crazy? As he’s crazy, nobody knows his secret! I think he’s having a great season and is helping the team a lot. I hope it carries on because he’s very important for us.”
Vázquez on the point against Betis and the LALIGA title race
“I think three points are better, but it’s a good point too. We are focused on our path, on what we have to do. Yesterday we all saw Barcelona vs Girona, but we aren’t focused on what anyone else is doing, only on what we are doing and we will fight until the end to achieve the title.”