Matarazzo stresses the need to defend when attack falters

“It is very important to win matches like this: when you cannot attack as much, you have to defend,” Pellegrino Matarazzo said after his team’s victory. The coach highlighted the need to remain resilient at the back when attacking options are harder to find.

Matarazzo acknowledged that the match had not been easy, despite what he considered a good first half. His team created chances and sent in crosses but did not score before the break. The second half then opened up, with the opposition having clear opportunities, he said. Real eventually found a breakthrough in a move finished after a pass from Barrene. “Suffering is part of football,” the coach said, praising Rayo’s work and energy.

The drop in energy was also central to his assessment. Real lacked energy despite making changes, perhaps because the match came at the end of a demanding stretch of the schedule. Matarazzo said he had made seven changes and felt his team lose energy after committing to a high press. “Eight matches in a few weeks is a lot,” he acknowledged, while saying he was pleased with the team’s performances and development. He added that five matches had been won while bringing many players into the side, and said he expected the team to return strong after the international matches.

The coach also stressed the importance of collective defending. He compared this match with the game against Lyon, when there had been more space, and said his team had to defend when chance creation was not working. He was pleased with how the group held firm despite conceding some opportunities.

Matarazzo also praised Aihen’s performance after a spell without playing, and expressed satisfaction with what the whole group was contributing. He said one player had been unable to take part because of tonsillitis and back problems, and that he did not yet know whether the player could join his national team. He also reported that Barrene was injured, with the extent still to be assessed, and said he hoped to see him return stronger.

“We want to win and take points, grow as a team and involve more and more players,” Matarazzo concluded. He said the team was on the right track, with high standards across all competitions.