Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui was pleased with his side’s performance as they eased to a third La Liga win of the season with a 4-1 victory over Leganes.
Gareth Bale set the ball rolling for the home side before Leganes drew level from the penalty spot, but Karim Benzema struck twice in the second half before Sergio Ramos completed the scoring, also with a penalty.
“We played well aside from a small spell in the first half,” Lopetegui told a post-match press conference. “They were able to catch us by surprise and get the penalty, we were rushing things a bit.
“In the second half though, the team played well generally, with goals, chances and conceding very little to the opposition.
“We’re getting to know each other better as time goes by and we’re able to instil this collective attitude of attacking and defending as a team. The players are understanding what we ask of them very well and they have the ability to improve further.
“Now we’ll lose a load of players to international duty, but training is a chance to keep growing every day. Ratings are best saved for the end of the season, I’ll focus on the hunger and the passion this group has shown to work hard. They want to work and improve in every training session and we’re thrilled with their attitude.”
Lopetegui was reluctant to single out the efforts of Bale and Benzema, but added: “Goals are the responsibility of the entire team.
“There are players who find them easier to come by but it’s something the whole team must help with and that’s what we’re trying to get across. Whoever scores them, we’re absolutely delighted, and not just for the goal scorer, but because it contributes to this sense of the group that we’re working towards.
“We’ll be pleased whoever is scoring. Benzema is a wonderful player, it’s all down to him and his goals are helping the team and I’m sure he’ll continue.”
📸 Another weekend, another 4⃣ goals! #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/jQswsmxnSd
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) September 1, 2018
Former Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made his debut for Real in place of Keylor Navas and insisted there was no problem between the two players.
“Keylor and I both give it our all in every training session to be ready and then it’s down to the boss to decide who will play,” Courtois said. “The competition helps us to give it our best. We’re at the best club in the world and there has to be competition.
“Whenever Keylor has played he’s done a great job and I think I did well today too. It’s the best possible thing for the team. The press are looking for controversy where it doesn’t exist. We get on very well and wish each other luck. There’s no problem there at all.
“I’m very happy, the key thing was to get the win before the international break. I’m delighted to have made my debut for the best team in the world. Training is great but walking out on to the pitch at the Bernabeu is something else. I’ve waited for this moment for a long time.”
Debut: Thibaut Courtois.
