Real Madrid faced Pachuca just back in December in the final of the Intercontinental Cup, a competition that was formerly known as the Club World Cup.
They are now playing in the new version of the Club World Cup and once again find themselves pitted against Pachuca, albeit in the group stages this time.
When the two teams met in December, Los Blancos swept the opponents away with a 3-0 win but it was anything but easy as Pachuca punched above their weight and delivered a strong fight.
One Mexican star who caught the world’s eye in particular was Elias Montiel, the 19-year-old monster who racked up three key passes and even had a shot blocked against Real Madrid on the night.
The young star speaks out
Speaking to the media in a recent interview, the Mexican starlet commented on the face-off against Real Madrid in the Intercontinental Cup last year and how he had a performance of a lifetime despite the final result.
“It’s something I still don’t quite assimilate but yes, remembering that is very nice. Being surrounded by figures and reaching that final. We surprised a lot of people in that tournament,” he said modestly.
He then revealed how Real Madrid president Florentino Perez had special words for him after the game and the praises he showered.
“Yes, after passing the protocol of delivering the trophy and so on, I got off the podium and crossed where the directives and important people of Qatar were,” he began.
“As I passed by I greeted Florentino but he stopped me because he grabbed my hand tightly and there I was very surprised, I didn’t know how to act,” he added.
Elias Montiel will face Real Madrid this weekend. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
On the exact praises that the Real Madrid president had for him, Montiel said,
“He told me that he had talked to several of his friends there about me, that they had spoken well of me, and that he had really liked how I had played.”
“That what they had told him about me were not lies (smiles). He told me to keep it up, looking forward to it and growing. I thanked him,” he added.
The player then went on to speak about his role models and the players he idolised in the world of football.
“I’ve always liked Iniesta a lot. His way of seeing the game and how smart he is.”
“And currently, Pedri and Vitinha are the ones I pay attention to the most, they are one of those players from whom you try to grab certain things to feed me from their football,” he added.
The young talent then spoke on the impending challenge against Real Madrid this weekend and how it would be a special game, especially facing the likes of Luka Modric who will be playing one of his final games as a Real Madrid player.
“It’s impressive to be with these soccer players, they are world legends, and it gives you a huge motivation. Those players you saw as a little kid in FIFA.”
Finally, he was asked if he would be in Europe to showcase his talent soon, especially with Real Madrid’s president speaking highly of him.
“Yes, I have that goal well set, I want to fulfil that dream. I don’t know if it will happen this summer or already in winter, but it’s my goal,” he concluded.
Source: AS
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