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First team

DMITROVIC, OCAMPOS, LAMELA AND THE ROLE OF THE 'TWELFTH MAN'

12/03/2023
Entradilla
The players highlight the response of the team in such a difficult time and thank the fans for all of their help
Cuerpo Superior

He came onto the pitch because of an injury to Bono, but Marko Dmitrovic was crucial as we earned three points: "I am happy with these three important points that will booster our confidence and help us to see the bigger picture for this season. It is time to enjoy today but then we will turn our attention straight to Istanbul, and to a game that will not be easy, which makes our victory in the first leg even more impressive. 

The goal they scored today surprised us, and then it was difficult for us to get back into the game despite the clear opportunities we created, and it was important to score after the break. They had better chances in the second half, but we could have scored a third. I am focusing on the three points though, which we got with the support of the fans, who always act as another fan." On his own performance, he said that "the important thing is the three points which we needed. We are in a fight that we do not want to be in, and one that this club should not be involved in".

Before speaking alone, Ocampos crossed paths with Dmitrovic: "It's great that we can call upon him. Bono got injured, Marko plays and he plays as well as he did. The changing room is united, whoever is picked is ready to play and today you saw that". With regard to the match, the Argentine noted that "the nerves can sometimes make you tired and cramp up, but the team gave everything to get the win today, which was a very important one. To start the game off and go behind straightaway is not easy because we had envisioned another type of game, but all together, with the fans, we were able to keep on going". 

He also spoke about the penalty: "I asked Ivan if I could take it, I was very confident and fortunately I scored so that we entered the second half in a position to win the game. This is going to give us a bounce before the match on Thursday and then the Getafe game".

Finally, the goalscorer Lamela spoke: "It was a stressful match, and was very difficult. The first half was tough, and started as such, but the team was mentally strong to equalise. ​​​​​​​The second half was strange because it was very back-and-forth. The game was going to be defined by one moment and we took advantage of this. The cross from Bryan was perfect, I had a meter on the defence and I tried to get as much force behind the header as possible. We feel very connected to the fans, they are always with us, and that is shown through them filling the stadium, even with the season we are having".