Santiago Solari praises ‘commitment’ of his Real Madrid players

Real Madrid boss Santiago Solari hailed his side’s commitment and drive ahead of their Copa del Rey clash with Leganes.

Real lead the round-of-16 tie 3-0 after the first leg and travel to the Cucumber Growers on the outskirts of Madrid on Wednesday.

“We shouldn’t focus on the lead we have over Leganes, we need to remain focused and try to kill the tie off from the first minute,” Solari told the club’s official website.

“They are a disciplined side. They are driven, and are a real force at home.

“I am proud of this team’s unbridled will to compete, their commitment to the club and what these colours mean, especially given how many years they have gone on winning titles.

“The will to come in and train and go into the next game with that same drive is great.”

Leganes are currently 13th in LaLiga, while Real sit fourth, but boss Mauricio Pellegrino hopes his side will turn around their fortunes with improved energy and concentration.

“We have to show our best version of ourselves, try to create scoring situations and be able to convert,” he told the club’s official website. “We have to think about winning the game, converting a goal and so on, but above all, improving in football.”

“We will try to increase our level of concentration.

“We know it’s a difficult game, I see my team with a lot of energy to take the game to our side, which is what my players have shown to me without me giving them any message.”

Sergio Ramos scored his 100th career goal in the first leg against Leganes from the penalty spot, with Lucas Vazquez and Vinicius Junior also on target.