Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez has admitted he is eying a first-team spot at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The centre back was a surprise inclusion in the side on Tuesday night as Los Blancos routed Basel 5-1 in their group opener in the Champions League.
And speaking to journalists after the game, the Spaniard revealed he wants to secure a spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s starting 11 and will be working hard to achieve that.
“I try to make the most of all the opportunities the manager gives me. I work hard day after day to earn my place. The fans can do what they like, we players concentrate on playing. The players and the supporters need to be united and I’m sure that bit by bit we will be,” he said.
Speaking about the game itself, Nacho told reporters he was delighted to help the team put recent La Liga setbacks behind them and begin the defence of their European title strongly.
“It was an important day for us and it could not have gone any better. I think we maintained a good tempo throughout the match and played it how we wanted to. I am delighted and also for the goal, which was helped into the net. It was a nice bit of play with James and it ended the best way possible”.
