Emilio Butragueño, Real Madrid’s Director of Institutional Relations, spoke to Realmadrid TV following the Champions League draw in Monaco and shared his thoughts on the challenges facing the team in the league phase.

“We're talking about the Champions League. We're aware of the passion with which these kinds of matches are experienced, and that makes them always extremely difficult. We compete with great enthusiasm, as always, clearly trusting in our players, but also aware that every match is a challenge and requires a very high level of performance from the team if we want to achieve our goals.”

Butragueño also highlighted the demanding nature of the new competition format and the importance of finishing among the top eight.

“The format is especially demanding because, unlike the previous one, now you compete against everyone. This forces you to treat every game like a final because the goal is to finish in the top eight, and ideally, in the top four, which would give us home advantage until the end. That has to be our target, and also, if possible, to avoid having to play that preliminary round, which is more punishing on the schedule because it consists of two extremely intense games with the risk of being eliminated. It's crucial to start picking up points in the first few games so the team gains the confidence that will allow us to finish among the best.”

The former Real Madrid forward also praised the club’s work in the transfer market and expressed his confidence in José Mourinho and the strengthened squad.

“The club has made a significant effort this summer to strengthen the squad. Top-level players have arrived, and Mourinho has returned, a man with vast experience who knows how to get the best out of every player. Therefore, we are approaching this season with enormous enthusiasm and the hope that it will be a great season for Real Madrid.”

Finally, Butragueño reflected on Real Madrid’s start to the season and the atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabéu during the victory over Real Sociedad.

“We’ve started well, but it’s true that it’s only just begun. There are players who were at the World Cup and have been gradually joining the team. We’re starting little by little, but what we saw yesterday at the Bernabéu was extraordinary, and that gives a real boost to everyone at Real Madrid. We have to keep this up in the upcoming matches. We have another game on Sunday, and very soon we’ll be back in the Champions League. The pressure is constant, and the squad has the quality to meet the fans’ expectations.”

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