Emilio Butragueño Reacts to Real Madrid’s Champions League Draw

Real Madrid Director of Institutional Relations, Emilio Butragueño, offered his reflections on the club’s Champions League group stage draw in an interview with Real Madrid TV. With Xabi Alonso set to guide a new-look squad into Europe’s most prestigious competition, Butragueño emphasized both the difficulty of the task ahead and the excitement surrounding the team.

“We know that this competition is very difficult and we are facing opponents of a very high level. They will be close matches and we will have to prepare very well. We are approaching the competition with special excitement and hope for a squad with many resources and alternatives for Xabi Alonso. We are confident that the team will live up to the expectations of our fans,” he said.

Manchester City, Liverpool, and Familiar Battles

Real Madrid will once again meet Manchester City, renewing what has become one of Europe’s most defining modern rivalries. Butragueño also highlighted the prospect of facing Liverpool yet again:

“We’ve also played against Liverpool several times in recent years. We know each other well, and they’re top-level teams. They’re fantastic matches for the fans because they’re some of the best they’ll see in the world. The difficulty will be extreme, and we’ll have to play at a very high level to beat them.”

A First Meeting with Kairat Almaty

The group also includes Kairat Almaty, a completely new opponent for Madrid:

“We’ve never played against them, and they’re a long way off. That’s another factor to consider, considering the demanding and compressed schedule we have. Every match is going to be important, and all our opponents are especially motivated. We’ll have to play at a high level and pay attention to every detail.”

The Bernabéu Factor

The Santiago Bernabéu will once again play a central role:

“They’re historic opponents, with a lot of tradition, and they know how to play these types of matches. The schedule doesn’t give us any respite, but it’s an opportunity for our fans to enjoy the best football. That challenge is very attractive for the team.”

Butragueño made sure to underline the importance of Madridismo’s support:

“The fans’ role is going to be very important for us because we have to get four wins. Our fans never let us down and know that this competition means a lot to them and to the club. That unity is going to be necessary in these matches.”

Historic Away Trips

Real Madrid will also revisit two historic opponents:

“The last time we played against Benfica was in the 1960s and against Olympiacos in 2006. These teams are tough at home, as is Liverpool.”