Bellingham: Valverde is wonderful... and the Kaaba’s goal is “natural”

Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham praised his teammate Federico Valverde, who scored the difficult goal in a 3-2 victory over AEK Athens in the Champions League.

Billingham, who was chosen to win the Man of the Match award, said, "Valverde scored a wonderful goal against a very strong competitor. We controlled the match despite the seriousness of the Greek team's attacks, and I think we were the most dominant."

The English star added on Movistar, "We worked hard to achieve the win. We possessed the ball and created opportunities, and we continued to deliver the performance we are accustomed to in our Champions League matches."

Regarding his heel goal against AEK Athens, he continued, “I acted on instinct after a wonderful cross from Mark Kokoria.”

Jude Bellingham concluded his statement by saying, “I perform well in depth, so I leave an imprint on the course of the match.”

Carlos Alcarras needed some time to get into the atmosphere of his first match in the Paris Championship, but the Spanish player regained his rhythm to begin his efforts towards winning the title in this tournament, which falls within the thousand points category of the Association of Tennis Professionals, and which he seeks to win a title for the first time in his career.

Alkaras overcame his faltering start to defeat his American opponent, Alex Michelsen, with a score of 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, and qualified for the third round. After wasting an early lead by breaking his opponent's serve in the first set, Alcarras found himself trailing 1-4 in the tiebreak, but he succeeded in collecting six consecutive points to decide the set in his favor. In the second set, the Spaniard was able to break his opponent's serve in a decisive game at 4-3, ultimately deciding the match after an hour and 41 minutes of play.

In the next round, Alcarras, who won 28 titles in his professional career, will face Italian player Matteo Berrettini.

Berrettini had qualified after his earlier victory over Frenchman Ugo Hombre, whom the local fans had high hopes for, and who had reached the final of the 2024 edition.

Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde praised his team and coach Mourinho after their 3-2 victory over AEK Athens in the Champions League.

Valverde said on the Movistar channel after the match: “It was a difficult match as we expected, but we had difficulty reaching the goal despite controlling the game, so I congratulate my team for its effort and work, and we must continue in the same way.”

Regarding Real Madrid’s faltering start and falling behind twice, the Uruguayan player said: “We were affected by conceding an early goal, but we continued to play with the same plan that we practiced throughout the week.”

He added: “We were in good condition despite the difficulties after receiving every goal, and we made a great effort, so I am happy for the team.”

Federico touched on the comeback in the result, saying: “The credit goes to the technical staff led by Mourinho, and the trust in each other. This is wonderful, and it was clear that we continued trying until the last minutes.”

He continued: “The task seemed very difficult after receiving a second goal, but the team succeeded in returning again.”

Federico concluded by talking about his deadly goal, saying: “I think a lot about long shots. I am grateful to my teammates. Because thanks to them, I have a strong desire to shoot.”