Real Madrid’s Director of Institutional Relations, Emilio Butragueno, has made it clear that the first leg of the UEFA Champions League playoffs after being drawn against Benfica will be crucial.
Los Blancos are set to return to Lisbon in what is a rare but intense reunion with Benfica, with three meetings scheduled within a single month after a 60-year gap between encounters.
As the knockout battle looms, Butragueno stressed that preparation, focus, and intent will be key if the Spanish giants are to book their place in the round of 16.
“It’s a decisive phase and every match can take you further away from or closer to the title,” said the director after the draw.
“We’re going back to Lisbon. It’s strange because we haven’t played against them for 60 years, and now we’re going to play three matches in a month. We have to get a good result.
“They played a great match the other day and showed their strengths. That should help us prepare properly for the first leg, get a good result, and, with the support of the Bernabeu, qualify for the round of 16.”
As the tie unfolds over two legs, Butragueno was clear that Real Madrid’s mentality will not change, regardless of the return fixture being at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“We have to approach the match with the idea of trying to win it. We are a team that plays to win. It is true that there is a second match at our stadium, but in the first leg we have to send the message and signal that we are going to win.
“We have attacking players who can decide the game at any moment, and we have to take advantage of that. We need a solid defense, but we know that part of our strength lies in our attack, and we have to make the most of it.”
Looking ahead, the 62-year-old also pointed to the value of the upcoming preparation window as Real Madrid navigate injuries and recovery ahead of a packed schedule.
“Now we have two weeks, and that should help us train, recover from injuries, and rest. We have to take advantage of this period to prepare for everything that’s coming.
“Of course, we’re experiencing it with great enthusiasm. Now all the good stuff is coming, and each match can take you further or closer to the title. We have to keep going with all the energy and unity we’ve shown.
“We have a lot of talent, and hopefully we can get our injured players back. It’s a crucial phase, and it would be vital for Arbeloa to have almost the entire squad available.”
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