Real Madrid's star Federico Valverde appeared in press statements after qualifying for the Champions League quarter-finals via penalty shootout against Atletico Madrid (4-2), following a 1-0 defeat in the second leg and a 2-1 victory in the first leg.

Valverde said: "We played a mediocre match at home, and here, well, this always happens to us, we go out as if we had already won the match."

He added: "At the first opportunity, they scored a goal, and that really bothered us. It's not the same for Atletico when they win 1-0 and defend well, rather than having to come out and attack. We gave them that strength that they excel in. We went to penalties, and we were all extremely tired, and that showed a lot, thank God we won."

He continued: "I felt a great relief when I scored the penalty. There was a lot of tension during that walk before taking it, and many things were running through my head. If I miss, you know that there are many people supporting you: teammates, people working at the sports city... And if I miss, I let them down."

He concluded: "What happened today should be a boost for us. There is still a lot of the season left, and this should help us continue to improve, grow, and fight for everything."