Valencia CF forward Diego López scored in last season's victory against Real Madrid, and he talks to VCF Media about this week's rematch with 'Los Blancos'.

Matchday 13 against Real Madrid CF

We are already looking forward to the game. Playing at the Bernabéu is an extra source of motivation. The season is going well: We've gone 4 games without losing -5 including the Copa del Rey.

The team are in good form and we are convinced of what we do. We are analysing Real Madrid a lot, although we are focused on ourselves, on having personality, and we are going there to win. 

It's another game and we're going there with the hope of getting the three points by using our identity.

Taking on Real Madrid

They have their history. They are a big side in Spain and in Europe. We know it's going to be difficult, but we won't bow down to anyone. We will miss the fans because they are our twelfth man at Mestalla. But we are going to compete without fear because we are Valencia CF.

His goal against Real Madrid in the 2022/23 season

I have seen it many times because, in addition, the Spanish TV channel Movistar did a feature in my town with my parents -and every time I play a game I watch it. In the game against Villarreal CF, I had a similar chance at the far post, but I missed it.

I am always attentive to those types of balls, in case it hits someone and I can get onto it. My father has the shirt from that game and he really likes to have them framed.

Scoring goals for Valencia CF

I have always been a 'fox in the box' waiting for the ball to fall to me. I like to be in those areas and look to score. The goal is in the area, and you have to be there too. I was lucky that my three goals and the assist gave us points and helped the team achieve our aims last season. I'm very happy to have helped the team.

His past in the Real Madrid youth system

“I was there for a year. It was difficult because it was my first year away from home, away from my family. I made great friends there. In terms of my football, I scored more than 20 goals. It was a year of learning and it helped me a lot to grow as a person and a player. It has helped me to be here today.

Baraja

The coach tells us that we have to push hard because winning in the Primera División is very difficult. Practically every week he reminds us that either we give it 200% or we won't achieve anything.

Young players doing the coach proud

We have to go out and give everything without fear. Since they gave us the opportunity, we can't hold anything back. We have nothing to lose and we are going onto the pitch with that desire and ambition of wanting to enjoy ourselves a lot. We came through in a difficult situation and we also appeared in that way because the coach gave us the confidence to start playing. He gave us the peace of mind that we have to approach things without fear, telling us that we are there to help and that if we are on the team it is because we can do it.

Hoping for a Spain Under-21s call-up

Tomorrow the squad for the November games comes out and I hope to be in there because playing for the national team is always nice. It is a source of pride to represent your country.