Real Madrid ended their pre-season tour of the USA on a positive note as they defeated Premier League big-spenders Chelsea 2-1 at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.
Having lost the first two friendlies against AC Milan and Barcelona, the Merengues bounced back against Chelsea and managed to get some momentum behind them heading into the new season.
Goals from Lucas Vazquez and Brahim Diaz earned the victory for Carlo Ancelotti’s men, with the latter even being voted the best player on the night after he impressed in his 78 minutes on the field.
After all, Brahim set the opening goal up for Vazquez in the first period before doubling Real Madrid’s lead himself with a well-taken goal.
Brahim happy with pre-season
Speaking after the game, Brahim Diaz expressed his pleasure on having been able to make valuable contributions to the team’s win, saying:
“We are preparing very well physically and we are leaving in good shape for what is to come. The goal was good, especially because of Vini’s pass. It was incredible,” he said.
“I contribute as much as I can and I try to be ready when I play 30, 60 or 90 minutes. The important thing is to help the team, I’m achieving that and I’ve won important titles. We’re a family and we all go together as one. I like to contribute assists and goals,” he added.
On what Real Madrid were looking to extract from the pre-season, the Moroccan international added:
“It’s about finding ourselves and staying fit until the next game, which is a final and another title. Other teammates will be back in Madrid now, we’ll all be there and we need to get fit as soon as possible for this game.”
On teammates and competition in the squad
Brahim played as a false-nine against Chelsea last night and has gotten plenty of minutes in pre-season. But with Kylian Mbappe now joining the squad, there will be a lot of competition for places in the squad.
“The best players have to be at Madrid because it is the best club in the world. It’s important that we are all together and ready. There is no rivalry between team-mates and we want to give everything for the club,” said Brahim about the competition.
The former Manchester City starlet also touched upon his relationship with young Arda Guler, who did not play against Chelsea last night due to some discomfort.
“I’m a brother to him and he’s a brother to me. He is a brutal talent, who will give us a lot and will be important. Our relationship is very good, we are almost always together and he has an incredible present and future,” he stated.
Diaz also had some words of praise for Real Madrid new signing Endrick, as he remarked: “Everyone has their own personality and has to give their best. Endrick is a special talent; he has power and a lot of drive.”
Source: RealMadrid.com