Nacho: “We were really solid in the first half”

Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez featured in the starting lineup against Villarreal and completed a very solid performance throughout the entire game. Most fans and reporters were worried about how Madrid would compete without Ramos and the truth is that both Varane and Nacho competed at a high level.

Nacho talked to the press after the 1-1 draw and tried to be optimistic.

“We wanted to win it, we came here looking to take three points. We were really solid in the first half and Villarreal didn’t create any clear-cut chances. We opened up a bit more in the second half and we lost a bit of that solidity, they got at us and drew level,” he said.

Still, Madrid lacked creativity and couldn’t find the way to create quality chances consistently. Nacho revealed that coach Zidane tried to find some more offense later in the game.

“The team played well. The coach made some changes towards the end which helped us create more up top but we felt better in the first half than after the break because we were more solid, particularly at the back,” added Nacho.

Four penalties have been called against Real Madrid during their last two Liga games. Nacho was asked about this matter and shared his thoughts.

“We’re having a bit of bad luck with those at the moment. At Valencia the other day we suffered with penalties and it’s the same again today, they’re costing us crucial points but we have to work on it and make sure it stops happening,” he explained.

Real Madrid will be six points behind Atletico de Madrid if Simeone’s team win their game at hand, but Nacho believes that the lack of consistency from every single team gives Los Blancos a chance.

“We’re in what is a difficult season, there isn’t a single team that has shown 100% consistency. We’re trying to deal with the games as best we can to take as many points as possible. It’s an unusual season, it’s come off the back of the last one with almost no break and the team who manages that the best will be the one that wins La Liga,” concluded the defender.