Francisco Javier Rodriguez (#3) and Gerardo Flores (#15) celebrate after Cruz Azul's quarterfinal win over Western Sydney Wanderers in the FIFA Club World Cup on December 13, 2014, in Rabat, Morocco. (Photo: FIFA via Getty Images)
RABAT, Morocco – Quickly after defeating Western Sydney Wanderers in its FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal on Saturday, Real Madrid became the focus of Cruz Azul’s attention.
The CONCACAF champion will face the European king on Tuesday in Marrakech with a place in the final at stake.
Cruz Azul head coach Luis Fernando Tena is keen to derail Real Madrid’s bid to add another trophy to its already overflowing cabinet.
“We’ve won today, now we have three days to analyze and plan for a match against the best team in the world, which has also won 20 matches in a row,” said Tena in his post-match press conference. “We are very eager to play against the best. It is always a great experience, understanding that they are the big favorites not only to win the match against us, but in the Club World Cup. But it is also true that football can give surprises.”
While Real Madrid boasts a squad replete with talent, Tena pointed out that his side is more than capable launching a winning challenge. In fact, the 56-year-old has already given consideration to the strategic approach.
“The weapons that we have are our good players, players with experience, character and personality,” Tena expressed. “You have to try to give them a game, have numerical superiority in all parts of the pitch. We have seen that all of their opponents try to close down their spaces and counterattack and we have players to give a good game, understanding that it is the best team in the world.”
