Lucas Vazquez insists Real Madrid should have pressed more in the 1-1 draw against Barcelona in the El Classico in the Copa del Rey semifinal.
Vazquez put the visitor ahead very early to earn a much deserved lead but Malcom restored parity in the second half and the game now could be decided at the Santiago Bernabeu in the second leg.
Madrid do have an added advantage having scored an away goal and will go into the match with the utmost confidence. Santiago Solari’s side showed much intent throughout the match and would be hoping to end Barcelona’s monopoly in the El Classico matches.
Vaquez said, “It’s a bitter-sweet feeling because the team deserved more.
“I’m thrilled to have got the goal and helped the team but we lacked that little bit to go on and win it.
“I’ll take away our efforts for 90 minutes because everyone ran hard and worked with real intensity, both up front and at the back, and that’s the secret to this group. We have to keep it up.
“We’d planned a match where we’d press high up and win the ball back in their half, and we did just that, especially before half-time. Every player is extremely committed, we’re all pulling in the same direction.
“Towards the end we had a couple of great chances to make it 1-2 but it wasn’t to be. The tie is wide open and it’ll be a hard-fought game next time out. We will be going all out for a win at the Bernabeu in front of our fans. All together we’ll push to seal a place in the final.”
