Real Madrid 1-0 Liverpool: Modric: We Want To Win, Not Just Keep The Lead
JAKARTA - Real Madrid are on the mission of duplicating their first leg appearance against Liverpoool when they travel to Anfield for the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday local time (Thursday WIB).
That was conveyed by experienced midfielder Luka Modric, who confirmed that Real Madrid would not be performing at Anfield with the aim of keeping the lead, but winning the second leg.
In the first leg, Real Madrid defeated Liverpool 3–1 thanks to Vinicius Junior's goal and Marco Asensio's goal a week ago.
"We have to try to repeat the performance we showed in the first leg, attacking and defending as a team," he said in a pre-match press conference quoted by Antara from Real Madrid's official website on Tuesday night.
"We want to win and not just keep the lead. We have to hunt for victory," he added.
Real Madrid got into a bit of trouble because Lucas Vazquez was unable to take part in the second leg after being injured in the middle of the El Clasico against Barcelona last weekend.
In addition, captain Sergio Ramos who had been absent from the first leg also did not join the group to Merseyside, due to positive results from the COVID-19 test.
"Lucaz Vazquez's injury is quite unfortunate, because he is in a good performance and helped the team a lot. This injury is a big blow. We support him and hope he recovers soon," Modric said.
Nevertheless, Modric stated that he and his colleagues as a whole are in good shape physically and mentally.
Moreover, in addition to the semi-finals of the Champions League, Real Madrid are also currently only one point behind Atletico Madrid in the hunt for the Spanish League title.
"We've worked hard the last nine months to be in this position, chasing the title and the Champions League, of course we can't make fatigue a hit," he said.
'It's not easy, but we've got to hang on, keep working hard, keep fit and keep being professional, as we've done so far. Hopefully all this hard work will help us win something," Modric said.
Real Madrid did not have a tough task at Anfield, a draw even a defeat by a margin of less than two goals was enough to lock up a semi-final ticket.
Los Blancos should also not be too worried they will repeat the fate of Barcelona who suffered a remontada two years ago, because this time the Anfield stands contained only banners without Liverpool supporters.
💬 @lukamodric10: "Hay que salir a ganar el partido y no a defender el resultado" #UCL pic.twitter.com/FSeUlxxsRL
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) 13 April 2021