Real Madrid star Federico Valverde has today confirmed that he is ready to do whatever it takes to get the better of rivals Atlético on Wednesday, even if it means repeating his past actions of willingly accepting a red card.
The latest edition of the Madrid Derby is of course set to play out in 24 hours’ time, when the capital heavyweights go head-to-head in Riyadh for a spot in the final of the Supercopa de España.
Midfielder Valverde, for his part, is expected to feature from the off for Real, alongside the likes of Toni Kroos and Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Speaking to the media earlier today, the Uruguayan was therefore drawn on a memorable Super Cup moment from years past, which saw Valverde ‘take one for the team’, to hand Los Blancos the best possible chance of victory.
Back in 2020, with Real and Atlético deadlocked at 0-0 deep into extra-time, Álvaro Morata was set clean through on goal.
Adamant that he would not allow the Spanish international a free shot at goal, Valverde, in turn, scythed Morata down, shown a red card as a result.
From here, Real did enough to see out extra-time, before emerging triumphant from the ensuing penalty shootout.
Asked whether he would be prepared to carry out a similar action this time round in the derby, Valverde was therefore unwavering in his response, ready to ‘leave everything’ on the pitch to ensure victory:
“Of course, I would do it again,” he began, as cited by Marca. “As long as it is for the team. If we are losing 3-0, it makes no sense. In that final we were playing the game, it was very close. If the result was the same, I would do it again. You don’t want to hurt your opponent, but for the team, for my values. For the team you always have to leave everything.”
Conor Laird | GSFN
