Antonio Adán spoke for the media after the training session in Luis del Sol Training Centre. The keeper analysed the upcoming match against Real Madrid CF in Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

Return to Santiago Bernabéu: “The match is a bit special because I’ll meet again with people I know and because I spent many years there. However, I’ll play like in any other match. The working week is the same to any other week.”

Are the spirits high after the first match of the season?: “Our mentality is to compete with intensity match after match, with the excitement to be the main character in every one of them. The other day we performed well against a team that, theoretically, is fighting for higher goals than us. We did well in the match.”

Do you think the team can get a positive result in Santiago Bernabéu?: “The reality is that the match against Real Madrid CF is going to be difficult but if we thought it is impossible we wouldn’t play. The other day Sporting de Gijon obtained a good result. Every year there are chances for a surprise to happen in Santiago Bernabéu, so why can’t be us? Logically, we know that we are going to face one of the best teams in the world, at his home, and in the first match they play in front of their fans. But we are excited to compete there.”

Are you worried about the team’s defense?: “The other day we weren’t happy because of our mistakes. But we work hard in defense throughout the week and we trust in our defense. Mistakes are part of football, but we are working so they don’t happen. We have one of the best attacking lines in the world in front of us but we’ll try to give them the fewer chances we can.”

What do you think, as a goalkeeper, when you hear the comments saying that Real Madrid does not have scoring power?: “It’s true that they haven’t scored much during the preseason. We are now focused on them not scoring the goals they need this week. They can score as many as they want the following week, it does not concern us. We think about ourselves, not about their streak.”

What would it mean for you to win in Santiago Bernabéu?: “For the fans it means a lot. For us is just about adding three points, very important points for us, but nothing else. We won’t receive a trophy if we win. It would mean adding three points, and that’s what we want.”

Dani Ceballos: “I see him working at 100 %, very excited. When he came on against Villarreal he was eager, and that’s what matters. He is training really well, focused, and our task is to give him tranquility for him to keep growing. As the manager said the other day, the fans should support him all the way as long as he is wearing Real Betis shirt. Then it’s our duty to help him because last year he showed how important he is and I’m sure he’ll be key again this year.”

Did he ask you about Real Madrid?: “We only speak about Real Madrid as a rival for this weekend. At a personal level, he’ll be excited to play there because he’s just 18, and playing in Santiago Bernabéu is huge. He has never asked me anything apart from that.”

Do you see him mentally ready to travel to Madrid?: “I see him 100 % focused. Dani, who is beside me in the dressing room, gives out his excitement to play in every match, to get a spot in the starting eleven and help this team to make things in the right way.”

What reception do you expect in Santiago Bernabéu?: “I haven’t thought about it. I’ll meet many friends there. I have a special place for Real Madrid fans, I always felt their love when I played there; I only have good words for them. I hope they’ll have a respectful behaviour with me, as it will be from towards them.”

What do you think about the return of Kiko Casilla to Real Madrid?: “We were together in the lower categories. He’s a great keeper, I think Real Madrid has two great goalkeepers. I’ve got a good relationship with him and I wish him all the best. He’s been capped with Spain, he showed how good he is in Espanyol and now he’s in the best Club in the world.”

What do you think of the way Iker Casillas left?: “It looked that Casillas was looking for another experience and that needs to be respected. When he retires it will look like we are losing the best goalkeeper in the history of this country. For me it’s a great pride to have worked with him. He’s been an example of an Academy. He started there when he was 9 and has won everything. We all should show him respect because he has earned it. Now he’s enjoying football in another place and I’m sure he’ll do good.”

Joaquín: “He has shown he wants to come home. His agent has said it so. The manager stated that he’d be pleased to have him here. And among the players we think the same. We are talking about a top player, and it would be a boost to the squad. Also for what he represents for this team and this city. He would be a great asset for the team, a great teammate and a reference within the dressing room.”

Do you think people have been fair with Iker Casillas?: “It’s not for me to judge that. It’s true that we were expecting a different farewell for such a player. However, I was not there, so I can’t say if it has been fair or not.”