Vazquez, Asencio confident Real Madrid can turn things around after 3-0 loss to Arsenal | OneFootball

Two set-piece stunners and a well-worked goal from Mikel Merino helped Arsenal register a 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal last night, delivering a major blow to Los Blancos’ hopes.

The men in white were in control of the game in the opening 45 minutes and did well to keep the Gunners from scoring. The floodgates, however, opened in the second half and Real Madrid simply could not sustain the pressure.

They will have a chance to turn the result around next week but will have to take on Alaves at the weekend first and turn around their run of form.

Vazquez admits the team’s mistakes

Speaking to the media after the game, Real Madrid captain Lucas Vazquez frankly admitted that the team played poorly on the big European night and pointed out their biggest mistakes.

“We have not been well. Arsenal played a great game, creating chances, and pressing and we did not find ours,” said the veteran.

“We had some isolated play in the rival field but we could not establish long possessions and attack their box. That has made the difference,” he added.

Vazquez was furious about conceding three goals in the second half and elaborated on where they erred.

“In the second half, we did not improve. We did not have much continuity in the game and had little possession of the ball. We did not play a good game.”

The veteran was then asked about the possibility of a comeback, to which he expressed optimism with intent, saying:

“It’s complicated but if there is a team in the world that can turn this situation around, it’s us with our fans and our stadium.”

“Wednesday will be a different game and together we will progress,” he added.

Finally, he rued Real Madrid’s form and the fact that they have played out two defeats in a row, stating:

“We are not used to linking two defeats in a row. All that remains is to work and trust ourselves more than ever but the team deserves everyone’s trust.”

“We are going to give everything to turn around the playoff,” he added.

Asencio’s thoughts

Raul Asencio believes Real Madrid can mount a comeback vs Arsenal. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Real Madrid’s record without Raul Asencio this season has not been great, but even he could not help stop the 3-0 defeat against Arsenal.

“It was a complicated game. We were not 100%, but I think there is a lot of room for improvement,” sad the defender.

“We will work on it to be able to make a good game, turn it around and get better feelings. Being a team, working hard and changing the attitude,” he added.

He then stressed how the team would come out all guns blazing to avenge the defeat next week and turn around the tie, saying:

“If there is a team in the world that can turn this around, it’s us. We need to give 100% at the Bernabeu, we need our people. The team is convinced that we are going to turn it around.”

The young defender was then asked what went wrong at the Emirates Stadium, to which he said,

“A little bit of everything. It has been a very complicated game. Things have not worked out the way we work them out. We keep the positive that we can rescue from today.”

“There’s a week of work left to be able to turn it around. You have to cheer up and lift the team to be able to turn it around,” he elaborated.

Finally, he did not hold back on his anger and stressed how important it was to ensure they play to their best next week.

“We’re pissed off, it wasn’t what we expected. We are totally convinced that we can turn it around. This is Real Madrid. Positive mind and for it,” Asensio concluded.

Source: Real Madrid website