Carreras, Jimenez react after Valencia 0-2 Real Madrid – ‘A jersey I will frame in my room’

Goals from Alvaro Carreras and Kylian Mbappe helped Real Madrid to a 2-0 win against Valencia at Mestalla last night, marking the team’s fourth win in their last 12 games at the venue.

For long, the men in white struggled to break past Valencia’s low block and suffered to open the scoring. Carreras’ neat cut-in and finish, however, broke the deadlock and opened the game up.

It was then eventually in extra time that Kylian Mbappe struck and doubled the lead, securing all three points.

The goalscorer speaks

Alvaro Carreras, the team’s goalscorer on the night, first spoke to the media after the game and commented on how the team knew well of the challenge of playing at Mestalla.

“We knew it was going to be a tough match, that they would push hard and that they needed the 3 points. But we came here to win, to continue securing away very important victories.”

“The goal was a drive inside without overthinking, I saw the space and ended up shooting, and it went in,” he added on his goal.

“You step onto the pitch thinking about the team, about defending and keeping a clean sheet, but wherever I can contribute offensively, I’ll help the team as much as possible,” he concluded on the topic.

Speaking on Real Madrid’s improved defensive stability on the night, Carreras said,

“For me, it’s very important to keep a clean sheet, not allowing any clear chances for the opposing team because we know that up front we’ll create opportunities and finish them.”

Finally, he praised Kylian Mbappe for his rich goalscoring form and spoke about how it was a privilege to have him on the team.

“He’s a beast. It’s a privilege to have him in our team and share the day-to-day with him. From the first day, he has treated me very well, and I’m very happy with his achievements.”

Academy star speaks

David Jimenez played for over an hour before making way for Trent Alexander-Arnold. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

David Jimenez, who started and played over an hour at right-back last night, also spoke to the media after the match.

“We are very happy to take home the three points. We knew how challenging today’s match was. I want to thank the coach and the entire technical staff for their trust, and especially my teammates for making me feel like one of them,” he began.

He then revealed the advice Arbeloa handed him before the game, saying,

“To play as if I were playing with Castilla. Besides, being surrounded by the best players in the world makes everything much easier.”

Finally, the youngster opened up on his experience training and travelling with the first team, saying,

“In every training session I do with them, I try to observe because they are the best in the world in their position.”

“I want to thank both Trent, Carvajal, and Valverde because they have been very generous with me and have given me all the advice. I felt super comfortable. This is another jersey that I will frame in my room,” he added.

Source: Real Madrid website