Álvaro López: “This Title Belongs to Everyone at Valdebebas”

Q: What did Álvaro López say about the UEFA Youth League victory?

Álvaro López emphasized that the victory belongs to everyone at Valdebebas and highlighted the collective effort of the academy staff and players.

Q: How did Real Madrid perform in the UEFA Youth League final against Club Brugge?

Real Madrid won the UEFA Youth League final against Club Brugge in a penalty shootout after a strong first-half performance.

Q: Who were the standout players mentioned by Álvaro López after the final?

López praised goalkeeper Javi Navarro for his decisive saves and singled out Jacobo Ortega for his development and impact on the team.

Q: What role did Florentino Pérez play during the UEFA Youth League final?

Florentino Pérez's presence at the final was significant, as López noted that the president's support provides an extra push for the academy and the team.

LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND - APRIL 20: Alvaro Lopez, Head Coach of Real Madrid, celebrates following victory in the penalty shoot out of the UEFA Youth League Final match between Club Brugge KV and Real Madrid C.F. at Stade de la Tuiliere on April 20, 2026 in Lausanne, Switzerland. (Photo by Jan Kruger - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) | UEFA via Getty Images Speaking after Madrid’s penalty shootout win over Club Brugge in the UEFA Youth League final, head coach Alvaro López repeatedly emphasized the collective effort behind the triumph. For him, this wasn’t just about one team or one night in Lausanne, but the culmination of years of work at Valdebebas. “This is a huge joy,” López said. “Especially for all the people working in the academy every single day. They are part of the process that brought this generation to where it is today.” That sense of continuity and ambition defines Real Madrid at every level, and López made it clear that lifting the trophy doesn’t signal an endpoint. “At this club, the ceiling is untouchable,” he explained. “We’re always thinking about what comes next. Like the president says, it’s about continuing to improve and competing for every title.” That mindset was evident even in the most high-pressure moment of the final — the penalty shootout. While tension gripped both teams, López’s message to his players was simple: trust the process, and trust their goalkeeper. “I told them to stay calm,” he revealed. “We had already decided the penalty takers. And above all, we knew we had Javi in goal. We were confident he would save one or two — and if we did our job, we would win.” Javi Navarro did exactly that, once again proving decisive from the spot. But López was quick to broaden the spotlight, highlighting the collective work of the entire goalkeeping unit. “I gave Javi a hug, and we’ll support him however he needs,” López said. “But this also belongs to the other goalkeepers — to Ilia, Álvaro, and Aarón back in Madrid. This is a shared effort.” López also took time to praise individual performers, singling out Jacobo Ortega for his development and impact. “Jacobo is an exceptional young man,” he said. “He’s improved a lot through hard work and sacrifice, and you can see that now with Castilla, where he’s performing at a very high level.” The coach also reflected on the match itself, pointing to a strong first-half display that could have put the final beyond doubt earlier. “We prepared the game very well and analyzed the opponent in detail,” López explained. “The plan worked, especially in the first half. The only thing we lacked was finishing the chances that would have given us more control.” Beyond the tactical and emotional aspects, there was also a sense of personal pride. López joins an exclusive group of Real Madrid youth coaches to lift the Youth League trophy — including club legend Raúl González. “For me, it’s an honor to be mentioned alongside someone like Raúl,” López said. “He’s been an example for all of us.” The presence of Florentino Pérez in Lausanne added another layer to the occasion. According to López, the president’s support continues to resonate deeply within the academy. “He’s very attentive and very proud,” López said. “It means a lot that he made the effort to be here. In finals, his support always gives us an extra push.” And while the night belonged to his players, López didn’t forget those closest to him. “First of all, my girlfriend — she wouldn’t forgive me if I didn’t mention her,” he joked. “And my family. But also all the coaches we work with every day. This club is about unity. We’re all in it together.”