MY ACCOUNT
Casemiro says only the silverware remains for Real Madrid after they eliminated Manchester City to progress to the Champions League final on Wednesday.
After losing the first leg of the semi-final 4-3 in Manchester, Madrid had a mountain to climb after Riyad Mahrez made it 1-0 on the night in the 73rd minute.
A Rodrygo double deep into stoppage time astonishingly restored parity on aggregate, before Karim Benzema scored from the penalty spot to make it 6-5 over the tie in extra-time and book Madrid’s spot in Paris later this month.
Casemiro, who missed the first leg through injury, believes only the ultimate triumph will trump the sensation of their path to the final.
“Incredible, there is no better feeling,” he told Movistar+ post-match. “It was difficult to get here, but we know that the most important thing is missing, the most beautiful thing.
“But we have to enjoy the moment. We have spent two years without an audience in the stands. We have to enjoy now, this is for them.”
Real Madrid had to once again fight back from a losing position to go through, having also previously looked beaten by Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.
Madrid’s latest escape came just four days after wrapping up a 35th LaLiga title, with Casemiro keen to credit the spirit within the dressing room and how that reflects the club’s character.
“The great virtue of this team is never giving up, fighting until the end,” Casemiro said. “We must congratulate everyone. This is what this club is.
“The key phrase is, ‘until the end, let’s go Real.’ We have to be happy. We have beaten a great team with a great coach. This is for the people. We won the league two years ago and now we were able to celebrate with the fans [this week].”
