Real Madrid played with excitement and commitment against Melilla in the Cop del Rey, interim manager Santiago Solari has said.
The temporary coach, who took over from besieged Julen Lopetegui made seven changes to his starting XI and the team took control over the third-tier side with two goals from Karim Benzema and Marco Assensio in the first half was evidence of their dominance.
Alvaro Odriozola and Cristo Gonzalez scored to hand the La Liga giants a 4-0 win away from home.
“The team played with joy and excitement and commitment and the result is the fruit of that. It was not as easy as the result suggests, we worked hard and played with these characteristics. The pitch was very heavy too. I am coming to Segunda B and I know there are very good teams there. That is why I am so happy with the result. We knew this would be a difficult game in difficult conditions,” Solari, a former Madrid midfielder said.
Solari was impressed by Brazillian youngster Vinicius Junior who made his first senior start and did not disappoint.
“Vinicius is a very young kid, has just arrived at a new country, new friends, new culture, new football, a new world which is Real Madrid. Bit by bit he will keep improving and maturing. We all see his talent, but more is needed in football. I am happy with him, and with all of them.” Solari concluded
