AD Ceuta FC
“They are one of the strongest home teams in the league. Saying they have nothing to play for is relative. Racing couldn’t win there, and Castellón, one of the best away sides, also went to Ceuta and failed to win. So the idea that they’re already on holiday is something we seriously question. They compete with dignity in every match and have a very clear identity and style of play. They play attractive football for the fans and are extremely strong at home. We know how difficult this match will be. They’re on a very positive run of results, which shows they maintain a very high competitive level. It could be a very entertaining game between two teams that never shy away from competing, and that’s always appreciated.”
A new challenge
“We see the three points as vital. They will play with freedom, with a style based on proposing and taking risks while being efficient. We have to be able to put into perspective what we can do. This match comes with greater significance, and precisely for that reason, because we’ve earned the right to be here, we must stay calm in order to deliver our best version. We need to be clear about what we want to do and repeat the behaviours that have given us our identity. That is the biggest and most difficult challenge. We need to stay calm enough to be ourselves and continue being a brave team.”
Looking back
“We experienced matches like this not long ago. Our paths have run parallel with Ceuta, and we already faced them in Primera RFEF quite recently. It’s a celebration of football, with a fantastic atmosphere, and that sense of camaraderie with the Ceuta fans has been great. In both the first and second legs, the clubs have given supporters the chance to enjoy the game, and hopefully it will have a happy ending.”
Philosophies
“Ceuta share similarities with our philosophy, with a similar approach of trying to be protagonists and have possession of the ball. They have done an outstanding job as a team, prioritising the collective over individual talents, and they are a very reliable side. They can be very proud of what they have achieved collectively, and that has given them the opportunity to earn individual rewards as well. All of this highlights a Ceuta side that has earned the right, next season, to start from a different position and enjoy things even more.”
Fans
“It should fill us with pride. We’ve earned it together. Experiencing these situations, both at home and away, and being able to be highly competitive has been thanks to our fans. They’ve given us the chance to play with 12 players, that’s the extra boost you get at a club like ours.”