Emilio Butragueno felt Real Madrid ‘fought to the last minute’ in their unsuccessful attempt to beat Barcelona to the title.
Madrid won at Deportivo La Coruna on the final day but the victory was for naught as Barca beat Granada, Los Blancos ending the campaign in second place.
“We said we were going to fight until the last minute. We’ve done well this season, we won the last 12 games and that says a lot about us. Thank you to the players and the fans, now we have the Champions League Final, we have to prepare very well. We have a tough opponent but it is the hope of everyone,” the former Madrid striker said, AS reports.
“From now we have to think of the final. It’s the most prestigious competition and it makes Madrid the world’s most prestigious club. The role of the fans is very important, the players arrive very well but Atletico Madrid require the maximum.”
Butragueno explained the reason two-goal Cristiano Ronaldo was withdrawn at half time and considered the match itself, but wouldn’t be drawn on plans for 2016-17.
“We went in front through Ronaldo’s two goals and he could have had two more. We were far superior in the early going and our victory was cemented then. Taking Ronaldo off was a technical decision. There’s no problem, nothing serious,” Butragueno noted.
“It’s a very competitive League, 38 games is a lot. You have good and bad phases. The season isn’t over, we have a crucial game and we will work to win it.
“Next season? For now, Milan. That’s our goal, everything else is secondary. Let’s be together to reach the final in the best way possible.”
