Brahim Diaz and Andriy Lunin react after Deportivo 0-1 Real Madrid: ‘The most important thing is…’

Brahim Diaz and Andriy Lunin react after Deportivo 0-1 Real Madrid: ‘The most important thing is…’ Real Madrid rounded off their pre-season preparations with a 1-0 victory over Deportivo, with Brahim Diaz scoring the only goal to secure the Teresa Herrera Trophy . The result itself may have come in a friendly, but the match offered another useful test for Jose Mourinho’s side ahead of the new La Liga season.  Brahim was the match-winner, although Andriy Lunin played an equally important role, first setting up the decisive goal before producing a key intervention late in the game. Brahim explains his role Brahim found the net after Lunin spotted him in space and quickly launched the ball towards the centre of the pitch.  The Real Madrid attacker controlled it with his chest, moved forward and finished the move to give his side the lead. Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Brahim was keen to highlight the goalkeeper’s contribution to the goal. Reflecting on the team’s performance and the nature of the occasion, he said,  “This is still a pre-season friendly. We’re playing here, at Deportivo’s ground, and it’s a match to keep our legs moving and keep pushing ourselves.  “I’m very pleased with the team’s performance. We need to be ready for what’s coming, which is going to be a wonderful and incredible year.” Andriy Lunin provided the assist for the winning goal. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images) Brahim then explained how the winning move unfolded, giving full credit to Lunin for creating the opportunity. “Lunin spotted me in a good position. He played the ball to me and I think controlling it with my chest gave me a real advantage to carry on.  “I took the ball a little further forward and finished it off well. A good goal, but it’s all down to Lunin.” The Moroccan international also revealed more about what Mourinho wanted from him tactically during the Deportivo vs Real Madrid clash. “In today’s match, he wanted me to cut inside and act as another midfielder. He also wanted me to try and help with the build-up play, and I’m pleased about that.” Lunin’s assist and late save prove crucial While Brahim scored the goal that won Real Madrid the Teresa Herrera Trophy, Lunin was heavily involved at both ends of the pitch. His quick thinking after winning possession from a corner led directly to Brahim’s goal. The Ukrainian goalkeeper then ensured Deportivo could not find an equaliser during the closing stages. After the match, Lunin described the atmosphere around the game and the importance of these fixtures during a demanding pre-season. Real Madrid won the Teresa Herrera Trophy. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images) “It was a really good match: a great atmosphere, a great stadium… It was all brilliant.” On the importance of the win as Real Madrid continue preparing for La Liga, he added,  “The most important thing is that these matches help us prepare for La Liga.  “Today, the second half was a bit tougher, especially physically, because we’re still in pre-season and we’re working hard and putting in a lot of effort. But this is really helpful for the start of La Liga.” The goalkeeper also explained that his assist for Brahim was more instinctive than planned. “It came quite naturally. From corners, if you win the ball back, you always try to take it out quickly. I didn’t realise Brahim was that quick.” Lastly, Lunin was asked about his first weeks under Mourinho, and he made it clear that the new Real Madrid regime has been demanding. “It’s been very intense and very tough, but we’re loving it.”