In an impressive display during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 playoff second leg, Aurelien Tchouameni, the French midfielder representing Real Madrid, earned the Man of the Match accolade following his pivotal role in the 2-1 triumph over Benfica, securing the club’s progression to the next stage of the competition.
Speaking to the Spanish outlet Marca post-match, Tchouameni reflected on the team’s initial struggles: “Our first half was far from ideal; however, our belief never wavered. We knew goals would materialize as long as we maintained relentless pressure. Gradually, we improved and ultimately reversed the scoreline.”
Contributions of Castilla Youth and Tactical Insights
The midfielder also praised the impact of the substitutes, particularly the promising talents from Castilla, Real Madrid’s reserve squad. “They delivered an exceptionally impressive performance,” he remarked, emphasizing the necessity to sustain this momentum. Despite acknowledging areas requiring refinement—such as defensive solidity and heightened focus from kickoff—Tchouameni underscored that victory remains the paramount objective.
Regarding his own remarkable goal, Tchouameni revealed a glimpse into his preparation and mindset: “I had been scoring frequently during warm-ups and sensed that today would be my day. The coach encouraged me to exert extra effort, promising support to help me find the net. I intend to maintain this level of performance.”
Moreover, he lavished praise on teammate Vinicius Junior, whose goal and attacking prowess were instrumental in the victory. “This is the Vinicius we all recognize—consistently exceptional,” commented Tchouameni.
Concluding his insights about the forthcoming round of 16 draw, Tchouameni emphasized focusing inward: “Right now, concentrating on ourselves is crucial. We will see what lies ahead in the future.”