‘Nothing is won yet’ – Militao, Fran Garcia speak out after Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid | OneFootball

Real Madrid bagged a hard-fought 1-0 win over Real Sociedad away at the Reale Arena on Friday night, courtesy of a first-half strike from Arda Guler.

Carlo Ancelotti fielded a much-changed lineup on the night which saw Eder Militao make his first start since returning from his ACL injury while fringe stars like Dani Ceballos, Joselu, and Fran Garcia got a game.

Naturally, Los Blancos were far from their best given the wholesale changes, but toughed it out to return with three points from the Basque country.

Still work to be done, insists Militao

Speaking to the club media after the match, Real Madrid defender Eder Militao insisted that even though the win was a step in the right direction, the team is yet to get their hands on the title.

“We have to keep winning, we know that nothing is won yet. We have a big advantage, but we have to keep doing a serious job until the end,” the Brazilian said.

On finally getting to start a game and playing the full 90 minutes, Militao said: “I’m very happy, after eight months out. I’ve come back to play 90 minutes and I feel like a player again after many months out.

“It was the game I expected. I thought I was going to get more tired because I was out for so long, but with the help of the team, it was a great game. The communication with my teammates is fundamental, when I’m playing I try to talk to them as much as possible to help.”

Discussing the strength of Real Madrid’s defensive unit, he added: “We work hard. It doesn’t matter when the coach changes the players. We keep in mind that we have to come in with hot blood to defend. I think we showed today that we are a group.”

Up next for Real Madrid is the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Bayern Munich in Germany on Tuesday.

“We’re motivated and very happy. We have to keep winning games. We have to prepare well in the days leading up to Tuesday,” Militao said, looking forward to the game.

Fran Garcia praises Arda Guler

Fran Garcia was another player to get a rare start and the left-back had a tough time going up against ex-Real Madrid man Takefusa Kubo on the night.

Fran Garcia played his part in the win. (Photo by ANDER GILLENEA/AFP via Getty Images)

Garcia admitted that he and the team were fully aware it was never going to be an easy game and is happy to be going back with three points.

“It was an important game, which we knew was going to be very competitive because they needed to win. We came prepared for a difficult game, they were playing at home, but we came to show that this La Liga is ours and to get the three points,” he said.

“Defending this shirt, these colours, means that when you go out onto the pitch you have to give your all, not just for yourself but for your teammates and the people behind us. To take these three points back to Madrid feels great.”

Garcia also reserved some praise for the match-winner, Arda Guler, saying: “Everyone knows, he’s cut from a different cloth. I’m happy for him, he deserves it. Now let’s celebrate, we have a final in four days’ time and we have to give it our all.”

The 1-0 win meant Real Madrid have now kept 20 clean sheets this season and Garcia addressed the team’s defensive strength, saying:

“We know that if we offer that level at the back we have a good chance of getting the three points. I’m happy to be able to help out and keep getting more minutes.”

On the rotations made by Ancelotti and the team’s bench strength, the left-back remarked:

“We know that it’s not just the starting eleven, we’re a squad with a very high level. Whoever comes in is going to give their all and go all out.

“Those who come on can change the game perfectly. I’m happy on a group level and on a personal level. We’re a little bit closer to our objective.”