Pachuca ace reveals praise from Florentino Perez ahead of Real Madrid clash: ‘He told me to keep it up'
Pachuca ace reveals praise from Florentino Perez ahead of Real Madrid clash: 'He told me to keep it up'
Real Madrid faced Pachuca just back in December in the final of the Intercontinental Cup, a competition that was formerly known as the Club World Cup.
They are now playing in the new version of the Club World Cup and once again find themselves pitted against Pachuca, albeit in the group stages this time.
Advertisement
When the two teams met in December, Los Blancos swept the opponents away with a 3-0 win but it was anything but easy as Pachuca punched above their weight and delivered a strong fight.
One Mexican star who caught the world's eye in particular was Elias Montiel, the 19-year-old monster who racked up three key passes and even had a shot blocked against Real Madrid on the night.
The young star speaks out
Speaking to the media in a recent interview, the Mexican starlet commented on the face-off against Real Madrid in the Intercontinental Cup last year and how he had a performance of a lifetime despite the final result.
Advertisement
'It's something I still don't quite assimilate but yes, remembering that is very nice. Being surrounded by figures and reaching that final. We surprised a lot of people in that tournament,' he said modestly.
He then revealed how Real Madrid president Florentino Perez had special words for him after the game and the praises he showered.
'Yes, after passing the protocol of delivering the trophy and so on, I got off the podium and crossed where the directives and important people of Qatar were,' he began.
'As I passed by I greeted Florentino but he stopped me because he grabbed my hand tightly and there I was very surprised, I didn't know how to act,' he added.
Elias Montiel will face Real Madrid this weekend. (Photo by)
Advertisement
On the exact praises that the Real Madrid president had for him, Montiel said,
'He told me that he had talked to several of his friends there about me, that they had spoken well of me, and that he had really liked how I had played.'
'That what they had told him about me were not lies (smiles). He told me to keep it up, looking forward to it and growing. I thanked him,' he added.
The player then went on to speak about his role models and the players he idolised in the world of football.
'I've always liked Iniesta a lot. His way of seeing the game and how smart he is.'
'And currently, Pedri and Vitinha are the ones I pay attention to the most, they are one of those players from whom you try to grab certain things to feed me from their football,' he added.
Advertisement
The young talent then spoke on the impending challenge against Real Madrid this weekend and how it would be a special game, especially facing the likes of Luka Modric who will be playing one of his final games as a Real Madrid player.
'It's impressive to be with these soccer players, they are world legends, and it gives you a huge motivation. Those players you saw as a little kid in FIFA.'
Finally, he was asked if he would be in Europe to showcase his talent soon, especially with Real Madrid's president speaking highly of him.
'Yes, I have that goal well set, I want to fulfil that dream. I don't know if it will happen this summer or already in winter, but it's my goal,' he concluded.
Source: AS
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fox Sports
9 minutes ago
- Fox Sports
New Zealanders hail Auckland City's amateurs as 'heroic' after CWC draw with Boca Juniors
Associated Press WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — It might not have been the shot heard around the world but it was a goal that reverbrated 13,000 kilometers (8,000 miles) away when Auckland City FC scored Tuesday to draw 1-1 with Boca Juniors at the FIFA Club World Cup. Christian Gray, a trainee teacher at Mt. Roskill Intermediate School in Auckland, rose to meet the corner of Jerson Lagos, a barber, and headed in the equalizer as the mostly-amateur team from New Zealand held Diego Maradona's fasmous old Argentine club to a draw. Auckland lost 10-0 to Bayern Munich and 6-0 to Benfica in its first two matches, leading to questions over FIFA's decision to allow a team of part-timers from Oceania, it's smallest confederation, to compete with the professional superstars of world soccer. Even Auckland City's local paper, the New Zealand Herald, joined the critics, suggesting the team had 'damaged Auckland City FC's proud 20-year legacy' in FIFA events. 'It's been a trying few weeks,' the Herald reported after two defeats. 'In the past, Auckland City have been renowned for punching above their weight on the global stage, while usually having a couple of outstanding individuals. That hasn't quite been the case here.' But Auckland City left its best to last, producing an outstanding performance to the satisfaction of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who was among the crowd at the match in Nashville. 'It's been a tough trip, you know, we've had some tough results but just happy for the team,' Gray said. 'I think we deserve it. We got a little bit of respect back I hope. 'We rely on volunteers, we don't have a lot of money so I'm just happy that they're happy.' The New Zealand media hasn't paid close attention to the Club World Cup, mostly focused on the end of the Super Rugby competition. Soccer takes a back seat in rugby-mad New Zealand. But this result got prominant coverage. Radio New Zealand described the draw with Boca Juniors as 'stunning.' 'Thanks to Gray's heroics and some incredibly committed defense, Auckland City managed to pull off a result that will reverberate strongly around the football world,' RNZ said. The New Zealand Herald branded it 'remarkable' and 'famous.' 'The squad of real estate agents, teachers, sales reps, tradesmen and students would have hoped they could make a mark on the world stage while knowing it was probably impossible,' the newspaper wrote. 'But they have done it — against massive odds. 'Anyone around the football world coming across this result will be rubbing their eyes in disbelief. But it's true. It's all true.' The Herald said Auckland City 'will leave the tournament on a bit of a high, knowing that the painful journey has been worthwhile.' A leading local news website, Stuff, said Auckland City 'were rank outsiders against one of South America's most famous institutions." 'Most of their team is comprised of amateur players who will be returning to their regular jobs at home. But they went toe to toe against one of South America's largest professional clubs that was home to Argentine icon Diego Maradona.' Television New Zealand said Auckland City had been 'humiliated' in its first two matches at the World Cup but their performance on Tuesday was 'heroic.' It's unlikely a story of the same magnitude will be written in future. From now on Oceania — which includes the likes of New Zealand, Fiji and the Solomon Islands — will be represented by a professional team. ___ AP soccer: recommended
Hamilton Spectator
29 minutes ago
- Hamilton Spectator
New Zealanders hail Auckland City as 'heroic' and 'remarkable' after famous draw with Boca Juniors
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — It might not have been the shot heard around the world but it was a goal that reverbrated 13,000 kilometers (8,000 miles) away when Auckland City FC scored Tuesday to draw 1-1 with Boca Juniors at the FIFA Club World Cup. Christian Gray, a trainee teacher at Mt. Roskill Intermediate School in Auckland, rose to meet the corner of Jerson Lagos, a barber, and headed in the equalizer as the mostly-amateur team from New Zealand held Diego Maradona's fasmous old Argentine club to a draw. Auckland lost 10-0 to Bayern Munich and 6-0 to Benfica in its first two matches, leading to questions over FIFA's decision to allow a team of part-timers from Oceania, it's smallest confederation, to compete with the professional superstars of world soccer. Even Auckland City's local paper, the New Zealand Herald, joined the critics, suggesting the team had 'damaged Auckland City FC's proud 20-year legacy' in FIFA events. 'It's been a trying few weeks,' the Herald reported after two defeats. 'In the past, Auckland City have been renowned for punching above their weight on the global stage, while usually having a couple of outstanding individuals. That hasn't quite been the case here.' But Auckland City left its best to last, producing an outstanding performance to the satisfaction of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who was among the crowd at the match in Nashville. 'It's been a tough trip, you know, we've had some tough results but just happy for the team,' Gray said. 'I think we deserve it. We got a little bit of respect back I hope. 'We rely on volunteers, we don't have a lot of money so I'm just happy that they're happy.' The New Zealand media hasn't paid close attention to the Club World Cup, mostly focused on the end of the Super Rugby competition. Soccer takes a back seat in rugby-mad New Zealand. But this result got prominant coverage. Radio New Zealand described the draw with Boca Juniors as 'stunning.' 'Thanks to Gray's heroics and some incredibly committed defense, Auckland City managed to pull off a result that will reverberate strongly around the football world,' RNZ said. The New Zealand Herald branded it 'remarkable' and 'famous.' 'The squad of real estate agents, teachers, sales reps, tradesmen and students would have hoped they could make a mark on the world stage while knowing it was probably impossible,' the newspaper wrote. 'But they have done it — against massive odds. 'Anyone around the football world coming across this result will be rubbing their eyes in disbelief. But it's true. It's all true.' The Herald said Auckland City 'will leave the tournament on a bit of a high, knowing that the painful journey has been worthwhile.' A leading local news website, Stuff, said Auckland City 'were rank outsiders against one of South America's most famous institutions.' 'Most of their team is comprised of amateur players who will be returning to their regular jobs at home. But they went toe to toe against one of South America's largest professional clubs that was home to Argentine icon Diego Maradona.' Television New Zealand said Auckland City had been 'humiliated' in its first two matches at the World Cup but their performance on Tuesday was 'heroic.' It's unlikely a story of the same magnitude will be written in future. From now on Oceania — which includes the likes of New Zealand, Fiji and the Solomon Islands — will be represented by a professional team. ___ AP soccer:
Yahoo
37 minutes ago
- Yahoo
🔍 How Bayern lost their Club World Cup clash with Benfica
Here's a comprehensive analysis of where Bayern Munich fell short in their 1‑0 defeat to Benfica at the Club World Cup: 1. Ineffective Final Third Creativity Despite dominating possession, Bayern lacked incisiveness in attack. Like in their Champions League encounter in November, they struggled to break down Benfica's compact low block. Their build-up was often sideways and predictable, with few forward thrusts or clever movements between the lines. A similar issue resurfaced in this match—even amid 70–80% possession, their offensive transitions were too slow, and key passes or through-balls seldom found their mark. 2. Poor Decision-Making Bayern generated shots, but quality was lacking. Analogous to earlier encounters, players in the final third made questionable choices—opting for crosses over penetrating passes, or rushing shots under pressure . This lack of composure and precision turned promising sequences into lost opportunities. 3. High Press Yielding Counter-Press Weaknesses Benfica's low block capitalised on Bayern's rhythm in front of goal. Bayern's failure to break through centrally was exploited by Portugal's structured defense, forcing German attackers into reaction rather than creation. Without dynamic pressing or movement, Bayern's setup became frustratingly static. 4. Overreliance on Individual Brilliance The match exposed Bayern's dependency on moments of individual quality—like a precise cross from Leroy Sané or a run from Jamal Musiala—to unlock defenses. When those flashes didn't arrive, the team lacked collective, positional interplay to open tight formations. 5. Benfica's Defensive Discipline Credit to Benfica: they executed a well-drilled compact shape, stifled central approaches, and offered minimal risk. Their midfield suppressed Bayern's tempo, and their containment strategy reaped reward—Bayern barely carved out any clear-cut chances. 📸 Kevin C. Cox - 2025 Getty Images
