Real Madrid convincingly got the better of AS Roma by a 3-0 score line on Wednesday night. Isco, Gareth Bale and Mariano Diaz were on target for the Whites who began their Champions League campaign picking up all three points. It was a dominant performance by Lopetegui’s men, which will have certainly left the coach happy.
One standout player following the victory was Casemiro. Having played a vital role in Real Madrid keeping the clean sheet for only the second time this season, the Brazilian faced the media and answered the questions that followed. Interestingly, one of them was regarding the Ballon D’or debate and about who deserved it between Modric and Ronaldo.
“Ballon d’Or for Modric? I think it has been a very good year for Luka, but I would give it to Cristiano Ronaldo,” he said.
After backing his former teammate to win the best player’s award, Casemiro also analysed the match and spoke about Roma’s heroics last season.
“We played very well. We had control throughout the whole match against a team that got to the semi finals last year,” he continued.
“We created a lot of chances. To create 30 against a team that defends very well is very impressive.”
The midfielder finished by offering his thoughts on Mariano’s star debut.
“He was desperate to show why he came here. It’s clear that he’s a great player.”
After Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid lost the guarantee of 40-50 goals per season and that means that every at the club needs to take onus about dividing the attacking responsibility. The other alternative is to defend better and not suffer a high number of goals by nullifying the opponent’s threat.
The latter seems to be a more feasible option in the long run since drop in forms and injuries are inevitable at some point of the season. For doing just that, Casemiro will be a vital figure.