Jorge Valdano believes Real Madrid can overcome their deficit against Bayern Munich, emphasizing the need for improved intensity after a recent draw with Girona. He stated that the Girona match should not be seen as a benchmark for their upcoming Champions League clash.
GEWISS STADIUM, BERGAMO, ITALY - 2024/12/10: Former Player Jorge Valdano looks on during the UEFA Champions League League Phase MD6 match between Atalanta BC and Real Madrid C.F.. Real Madrid Cf wins 3-2 over Atalanta Bc. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images) | LightRocket via Getty Images
Jorge Valdano has backed Real Madridâs chances of overturning their deficit against Bayern Munich, while also calling for a significant improvement in intensity following their recent La Liga performance.
Speaking on Movistar Plus+ Deportes, the former Real Madrid player and director downplayed the importance of the teamâs 1-1 draw against Girona, insisting it should not be used as a reference point ahead of the Champions League clash.
âWe cannot take the match against Girona as a precedent,â Valdano said. âMadrid played that game with very little at stake and were seven points behind Barcelona.â
Valdano acknowledged that Madrid were the better side on the day, but questioned the level of urgency and emotional engagement shown by the team over the weekend.
âThey deserved to win, but not in a very convincing way,â he explained. âThey controlled the game and created chances, but it wasnât a performance full of heart.â
That, according to Valdano, is exactly what will be required in Munich.
âReal Madrid will need all their heart in this match,â he said. âThey are facing a great team, away from home. But I still see Madrid alive in the tie.â
Despite the unfavorable circumstances, Valdano pointed to a familiar pattern in the clubâs recent historyâstruggles in La Liga often coinciding with elevated performances in the Champions League.
âWhen Real Madrid find themselves in difficult situations in La Liga, thatâs when they tend to produce their best responses in Europe,â he noted.
For Valdano, the equation is clear: the performance against Girona cannot be repeated, but the stage in Munich may bring out a different version of the team.
âI donât rule out a comeback,â he concluded.
Jorge Valdano expressed confidence that Real Madrid could overturn their deficit against Bayern Munich, highlighting the need for increased intensity.
Real Madrid drew 1-1 with Girona, a performance Valdano described as lacking significance due to the team's low stakes in the match.
Valdano argued that the Girona match should not be used as a benchmark because Real Madrid played with little at stake and were significantly behind Barcelona in La Liga.
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