Fede Valverde was Real Madrid's hero in Athens, coming off the bench in the 67th minute before scoring a spectacular 92nd-minute winner to complete his team's comeback against AEK (2-3). After the match, the Uruguayan midfielder spoke in the mixed zone about a game in which Los Blancos had to fight back from behind twice.

“Congratulations to our team for coming back twice; it means we're full of energy and in good spirits,” he said. Valverde also explained how Madrid had prepared for AEK's defensive approach: “We knew they defended very well in their area, leaving space outside the box for us to shoot... and today it went in, which sometimes doesn't happen.”

Speaking to Movistar shortly before, Valverde had already praised the team's collective effort in a match that proved difficult for much of the evening.

“It was the kind of match we expected, very tight and complicated. I think we dominated possession, but we struggled to create clear-cut chances. I want to congratulate the team for their effort and hard work, and we need to keep it up,” he said.

He also admitted that conceding the opening goal had affected the team but praised their response: “The goal affected us, but the team continued to play their game. Sometimes it's tough when you concede, but we put in a lot of effort and I'm happy for the whole group.”

Valverde shared the credit for the comeback between the coaching staff and the players. “It’s a credit to the coaching staff and to us for trusting all our teammates. It showed in the final minutes; the team never stopped trying. It seemed like it was going to be very difficult for us after conceding the second goal, and we came back again,” he explained.

Asked about his decisive strike from outside the box, the midfielder played down his individual contribution: “Sometimes I think about it a lot. I’m grateful to my teammates, because it’s thanks to them that I have the drive to take the shot.”

Valverde also defended Vinicius, who started the game before being substituted in the closing stages. “The important thing is that, even if he makes mistakes, he keeps trying, that he keeps contributing. He gives that energy we all have to the team; he's in good sync, and good things will come,” he said.

The Uruguayan ended by reflecting on Real Madrid's recent winning run: “You work with less pressure, you enjoy it because things are going well. And tomorrow, it's back to training.”

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