Idman.biz
Interview with Kevin Medina, Colombian football player of "Qarabag", to matc.az regarding the first match (3:1) against "Ferencváros" in Hungary in the Champions League play-off stage.
- How do you assess the first match against "Ferencváros"?
- It was a very difficult game in the truest sense of the word. "Ferencváros" was trying to prove that they were the home team in front of their fans. There was a strong fight on the field in the first half. The opponent ran a lot on the field and tried to realize their desires. Sometimes they succeeded. We also sometimes executed the tasks correctly in the first half, and sometimes it didn't work out. We saw that the opponent was creating danger. We finished the first half with a defeat. In the second half, we fully implemented the tasks given to us as we wanted and were able to make a comeback. Defeating an opponent like "Ferencváros" 3:1 in their own stadium is both pleasant and a difficult task. This victory came in handy before the return match.
- How much did the opponent's fast attacks create difficulties for you? Were you ready for this?
- Of course, we were ready. Because we had analyzed the opponent during the week. We had information about how they build attacks. They carried out the attack perfectly. Although we were ready for this, sometimes it didn't work out. The goal we conceded was also the result of this. But in the second half, we were able to change the situation in our favor.
- You scored a goal against "Ferencváros". What are your feelings?
- Scoring a goal is always nice. It's doubly nice for a defender. Our job is more about keeping our goal untouched. Scoring a goal always gives a person extra joy. One of the reasons that made the match with "Ferencváros" special for me was that it was my daughter's birthday that day. I dedicated the goal I scored to my daughter. Contributing to the victory on my daughter's birthday is doubly joyful.
- You won confidently away. You have gained a great advantage for the return game. Can we say that the Champions League League stage is very close?
- It is very difficult to beat such an opponent away. This is a really important victory, its value is very high. After the score of 3:1, you think that the Champions League League stage is very close. But in no case should you be complacent. We have to be more serious than the away match. We need to prepare well for the game during the week so that we have fewer mistakes. "Ferencváros" is a serious opponent. In Baku, we are waiting for at least 100 minutes of fight. Therefore, we need to prepare seriously for the return match. I hope that we will finish that game with a positive result as well. After that, it will be easy to talk about the League stage. For now, we should only focus on the return match.
- How would you compare "Ferencváros" from 3 years ago with the current team? Which one was stronger?
- It's a little difficult for me to make a comparison. There are big changes in the squad, the head coach has changed. The philosophy, the system is different. The only thing that didn't change was the score. We also won 3:1 3 years ago.
- How do you assess the chances in the match in Baku?
- It's always nice to play in Baku. Playing at home, in front of the fans gives an advantage. Because they call the team forward. Fans and players must be one. We have to go to the field thinking that the score is 0:0. I know that all of Azerbaijan wants "Qarabag" to reach the League stage.
- Do you have a word for the fans before the return game?
- After the match with "Shkendiya", I said that the fans should wait for us, we are coming. I want to say the same thing again. We went to Hungary to get a good result. We won with a score of 3:1. My request to the fans is to fill the stadium in the match in Baku. This is a historic moment. We are so close to the league stage of the Champions League. Let them come and support us, let them be a part of this history. Azerbaijan is a country of real warriors, gladiators, we must win one more battle together.
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