Valdano: “I don’t rule out a Real Madrid comeback in Munich”
Former Madrid director calls for more intensity after Girona draw but backs team’s Champions League mentality
GEWISS STADIUM, BERGAMO, ITALY - 2024/12/10: Former Player Jorge Valdano looks on during the UEFA Champions League League Phase MD6 match between Atalanta BC and Real Madrid C. F.. Real Madrid Cf wins 3-2 over Atalanta Bc.
(Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images) | LightRocket via Getty Images Jorge Valdano has backed Real Madrid’s chances of overturning their deficit against Bayern Munich, while also calling for a significant improvement in intensity following their recent La Liga performance. Speaking on Movistar Plus+ Deportes , the former Real Madrid player and director downplayed the importance of the team’s 1-1 draw against Girona, insisting it should not be used as a reference point ahead of the Champions League clash. “We cannot take the match against Girona as a precedent,” Valdano said.
“Madrid played that game with very little at stake and were seven points behind Barcelona. ” Valdano acknowledged that Madrid were the better side on the day, but questioned the level of urgency and emotional engagement shown by the team over the weekend. “They deserved to win, but not in a very convincing way,” he explained.
“They controlled the game and created chances, but it wasn’t a performance full of heart. ” That, according to Valdano, is exactly what will be required in Munich. “Real Madrid will need all their heart in this match,” he said.