Real Madrid administrator reacts to UEFA Champions League draw – ‘Tight matches await us’ | OneFootball

Last night, Real Madrid found out the eight teams they will have to face off against in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League which is set to kick off next month.

After failing to make it to the top-8 last season and having to play an extra playoff round, Xabi Alonso and Co. will be looking forward to avoiding that step this time around by sealing a direct qualification.

For that, however, they must get the better of the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Benfica, Olympique Marseille, Juventus, Monaco, Olympiacos and Kairat Almaty.

Real Madrid administrator speaks

Speaking to the media in a recent interview, Real Madrid’s director of institutional relations Emilio Butragueno commented on the UEFA Champions League draw and how he saw Real Madrid’s path to the knockouts.

“Tight matches await us. We await them with a special excitement and with all the hope in the team,” he began.

“The squad has many resources and offers Xabi many alternatives. We trust and hope that the team will meet the expectations of our fans,” he added.

Speaking on the relatively difficult draw the Merengues have in the first phase of the UEFA Champions League, the administrator added,

“This competition always demands you to the maximum and all the matches will be very disputed.”

“We have to offer our best level to achieve the results that allow us to be in the next round and among the top eight, logically,” he added.

Real Madrid have difficult matches to play. (Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images for UEFA)

Butragueno then elaborated on the eight teams drawn up against Real Madrid and how some were familiar foes while others were relatively new faces.

“We have also played against Liverpool several times in recent years. We know each other very well. They are top-level teams that also aspire to win this competition.”

“They are fantastic matches for the fans, one of the best that can be seen right now in the world,” he added on Liverpool.

“They are historical clubs with a lot of tradition that know how to play this type of match,” he added on the other teams drawn.

The Spanish administrator took the opportunity to speak on how the new format affects the calendar for Real Madrid but also spices it up for the club concurrently.

“The calendar does not give us a break, but it is an opportunity for our fans to enjoy the best football and we have to try to take advantage of that.”

Finally, he spoke about Real Madrid drawing up Kairat Almaty and how the team would have to make a long trip to Kazakhstan for the same.

“We’ve never played against them. It is very far away and is another element to take into account when going there and returning after the game, taking into account the demanding and compressed calendar that we have.”

“But you have to accept it and prepare that game well, like everyone else,” he added.

Source: Mundo Deportivo