Gonzalo Melero: "If they give us life… we'll take advantage of it"

UD Almería central midfielder Gonzalo Melero has sat down with the local press and highlighted the confidence that the team has to face this Sunday's stern test against Real Madrid CF away from home. 'The match played last Sunday against Girona FC gave us a boost of confidence. We've set ourselves the goal of having a very good second half to the season and against one of the best teams in LaLiga we've already started strong. This weekend, we have another big team to take on. We'll head to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium with that reinforcement from the match against Girona FC,' the player explained.

He also acknowledged: 'We aren't having that bit of luck that is often needed either; There have been several games over the season in which we deserved more such as those against Villarreal, Betis, Celta de Vigo, Girona FC...it's clear that it'd make us see the situation differently if we had achieved it, but the reality is what it is.'

The 30-year-old midfielder is aware that the Spanish Cup tie between Real Madrid CF and Atlético de Madrid this Thursday could benefit the Rojiblancos and he acknowledged: 'I truly hope their match goes into extra-time and penalties so they'll head into our game feeling match fatigued. I reckon they're the most physical team in the world right now with players of above average strength and power, but they'll come on the back of competing in the Spanish Supercopa and the Copa del Rey tournaments, although we must focus on ourselves and try to keep up that high level of performance as against Girona FC and surely in that way, we'll be able to add points.'

The Madrid-born also pointed out that the keys to being able to score at the Bernabeu are the following: 'The team knows how to attack against their greatest strengths. We also need to ensure that they don't play a comfortable game with the ball, not gifting them spaces to run and try to match their qualities, which are many.'

'We're capable of making a return in accordance with the quality we have and what is expected from us,' the Madrid-born added. Then he warned: 'The teams that are at the bottom are well aware that if they give us life… we can take advantage of it. We have many qualities within the squad and we're working hard because we're 100% confident in reversing the situation. UD Almería have improved a lot their defensive displays, but now it's been lacking pinpoint precision in attack, especially due to the fact of not having proper centre-forwards up front.'

Gonzalo Melero, in light of this fact, highlighted: 'At the beginning of the season, we found the back of the net easier, but defending affectively is actually more important, because if they don't score against you, you're sure to score. If we keep on the right track, we'll be effective in front of goal, but the basis is the defensive plot and not conceding.'

Furthermore, the UD Almería co-captain stressed: 'We've kept three clean sheets in a row at home and attacking-wise, we can now count on Luis Suarez. For us, he is essential as has an eye for goals and his quality playing as a natural No.9. We've been playing without anyone playing that position for three months.'