Emilio Butragueno has said that Real Madrid’s win over Atletico Madrid means he can celebrate the 30th anniversary of his debut a little more.
The Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg between the capital city sides was played 30 years to the day since Butragueno made his first appearance for Los Blancos.
But, the 50-year-old revealed to Marca that he wouldn’t have felt much like celebrating if Atleti had won at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“That day was not just important in my career but also my life,” the former forward said.
“And I’m much more able to celebrate now the team has played so well.
“The players were sensational. Atletico didn’t have anything but set-pieces and Madrid were colossal.
“This was definitely the team’s best game. They played with a concept supportive of all against a team that knows how to play.
“But the team have become very aware of how they have to fight in a game and didn’t let their standards fall.”
Butragueno however joined the chorus insisting that the game was far from over despite Madrid’s three-goal lead.
“This is a great result but it doesn’t mean the game’s over.
“We might have scored three goals but we have to be careful.”
El Buitre added that he was particularly impressed by the second goal, scored by Jese.
“In such a well-matched game having a genius like Jese has taken us one step further, because the psychological effect in these games is very important.
“Jese has proven he can cope with the huge demands of wearing the Real Madrid shirt.”
