Rodrygo and Asensio break down ‘the best night of the season’ after Man City triumph | OneFootball

Real Madrid pulled off one of their best results of the season last night as they convincingly beat Manchester City 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Amidst a season where they have largely struggled on big nights, it came as a massive confidence booster for the dressing room as they never really looked in trouble and dominated from start to finish.

In the end, the 3-1 win sealed a 6-3 win on aggregate and took the men in white through to the Round of 16 where they will now face one of Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen.

Rodrygo’s words after the game

Rodrygo was one of the first Real Madrid players to speak to the media after the game, and he called it one of the team’s ‘best’ nights of the season.

“It may have been the best night of the season against a very difficult rival and we have been playing against them for many years.”

“We were better in the playoff, we played very well both games and we deserved to progress,” he added.

Rodrygo was happy with the performance. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Speaking on the key to defeating Manchester City over two legs, the Brazilian star said,

“We understood the game very well, knowing when to defend in a low block and pressing. We played an almost perfect game despite conceding a goal at the end.”

Rodrygo also praised Mbappe for his special hat-trick and spoke on his progress in recent months. “He scored his first bug night against a very good rival and we are very happy for him. He’s getting better every day, he’s a crack.”

“He came to a team that is European champion, with great players and with him we have a great team,” he added.

He was then asked about the upcoming round of the UCL where Los Blancos will face Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen. “If we play against Atlético or in Germany it will be very difficult.”

Finally, he opened up on his connection with his teammates on the field.

“We are playing very well every day and we understand each other better. With the quality and sacrifice we have, we will continue to play this way.”

Asencio talks to the press

Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio was the next player to speak to the media, and he admitted that the game was far trickier than it appeared.

“It was a complicated eliminator, we were mentally strong from the first moment and in both games we were forceful and we played as a team.”

Raul Asencio played a great game against City. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Praising the team for stepping up under pressure, the young defender spoke on the defensive improvement and how they feared noone.

“We have to play in the best possible way, without conceding goals and helping the team behind. We are prepared to defend any player.”

“Haaland is a great player, in the first leg we managed to defend against him and in the second leg we were prepared,” he added.

Asencio racked up the first assist of the night for Kylian Mbappe’s opener, and he spoke how it manifested.

“As long as I can help the team, welcome. I’m happy for the attendance, these players make things simple for you. The pass was perfect and he was able to take advantage of it.”

Giving his two cents on taking his chances and making the most of every minute on the field, he said,

“I work day by day, the coach is the one who decides and I will take advantage of the opportunities he gives me.”

Finally, Asensio was asked his preference of opponent for the Round of 16, and his response showed why he is a mentality monster.

“We are Madrid and we don’t care about one or the other, we are going to compete and we will try to pass the round.”

Source: Real Madrid website