EXCLUSIVE: Domingos Duarte delighted with 'historic achievement' after win at Real Madrid

[h2][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/getafe-dboeiWOt/real-madrid-W8mj7MDD/?mid=lx1RyDo4"]Check out the highlights from the match here[/a][/h2][p][b]Flashscore: We’re here at the Coliseum in [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/getafe/dboeiWOt/"]Getafe[/a] with [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/duarte-domingos/bDpj7xEB/"]Domingos Duarte[/a], less than 24 hours after the win at Santiago Bernabeu. Domingos, first of all, congratulations on this victory. What’s it like, the day after beating [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/real-madrid/W8mj7MDD/"]Real Madrid[/a] at the Bernabeu?[/b][/p][p]Duarte: "There’s not much more to say, it’s a really happy day for all of us. It’s a historic achievement. It’s only the second time Getafe has won at the Bernabeu, so it’s a day for everyone to be proud.[/p][p]"But we already know how Bordalás is (laughs). The next day, he’s already thinking about the next match. We can enjoy it for a few hours, but that’s about it.[/p][p][b]What was the hardest part yesterday?[/b][/p][p]"Holding out for the whole match without conceding a goal against a team with Real Madrid’s attacking power."[/p][image alt="Paulo Sérgio, Domingos Duarte and Pedro Castelo at the Getafe Coliseum" id="81c1f3f2-acba-4a76-a154-81b0d176bc83" credit-line="Flashscore" guid="18333f96-236f-4638-95ed-50927e22a986" original-width="1200" original-height="1600" /][p][b]This is another season where you’ve managed to stay relatively comfortable, which is the goal. What’s the secret to Getafe’s stability in LaLiga?[/b][/p][p]"It’s about trying to compete in every match. We know our strengths and weaknesses compared to other teams, but we go into every game aiming to win, keeping calm and knowing we can compete against anyone."[/p][p][b]But you mentioned off the record, and I think I can share, that with Bordalas you always have to look a bit higher, right?[/b][/p][p]"Yes, there’s always that ambition to achieve more. We don’t set any specific targets. As you said, staying up is the most important thing, and once you’ve got enough points to guarantee survival, you can start looking a bit higher. But Bordalás is always pushing us to finish as high as possible."[/p][video alt="Domingos Duarte talks about Bordalás’ football" credit-line="Flashscore" guid="72e26954-8790-4d14-8de3-1c49bd0800fc" id="0acd7f49-1677-4afe-932d-81ff46c61c9a" /][p][b]To wrap up the topic of this season with Bordalas and Getafe, people often talk about Bordalas’ style of football. From the inside, how do you see it?[/b][/p][p]"Honestly, it’s mostly just excuses from teams that can’t beat us. Every time we win, there’s always someone who says it’s because we stop the game a lot, there are too many interruptions, too many fouls, and so on. I think every team plays with the tools they have, and everything we do is within the rules, so I don’t see much room for debate."[/p][p][b]On a personal level, it’s your fourth season at Getafe. How do you look back on it?[/b][/p][p]"I’m happy here, I’m playing, which is the most important thing, in a major league like LaLiga. It’s true my contract is ending, I don’t know what will happen, and right now the priority is to secure survival. After that, I’ll start thinking more about my future."[/p][p][b]You’re almost Spanish now, aren’t you? Eight seasons here. Deportivo La Coruna, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/granada-cf/EXuxl1xP/"]Granada[/a], and Getafe...[/b][/p][p]"One year in the second division and seven in the top flight. It’s actually easier for me to do interviews in Spanish than in Portuguese now (laughs)."[/p][image alt="Domingos Duarte's most recent seasons" id="c50f0e76-e30d-4aa3-acb4-6ff5a0e9665f" credit-line="Flashscore" guid="ff4dd7c5-ea64-42ed-ab7a-248721f0647b" original-width="1200" original-height="1200" /][p][b]At the start of your professional career, did you imagine having this kind of stability in a country other than Portugal?[/b][/p][p]"Of course you always believe you have what it takes to play at the highest level. But looking back, I probably didn’t expect to spend so many years in such a big league, but I’m happy about it, proud of myself, and I want more."[/p][p][b]People also say this league is very strong technically, and the players are very skilled. As a centre-back, what’s it like facing that every week?[/b][/p][p]"That’s exactly it. Almost every weekend, you’re up against teams with world-class strikers. You have to stay focused for the full 90 or 95 minutes, because any small mistake or lapse can cost you."[/p][p][b]Of all the players you’ve faced, is there one you’d say was the toughest?[/b][/p][p]"In every interview I’ve done, I’ve always said the same: [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/benzema-karim/tpV0VX0S/"]Karim Benzema[/a]. He was a very technical forward who often dropped deep, not just as a reference point, but almost like a futsal pivot. For me, he was the hardest opponent because it’s tough to mark someone like that."[/p][image alt="Domingos Duarte facing Karim Benzema in 2020" id="c49d5dda-e4ca-40fb-adb7-2e6502811795" credit-line="OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP" guid="a1780543-d802-4b10-80e2-3ee5b71bc404" original-width="4137" original-height="2758" /][p][b]And among your teammates, has anyone really surprised you?[/b][/p][p]"[a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/greenwood-mason/hxe108Jl/"]Mason Greenwood[/a], last year when he was with us, was outstanding. Now he’s at Marseille."[/p][p][b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/follow-your-favourite-football-stars-and-stay-up-to-date-with-new-player-notifications/bX1BZzYQ/"]Follow Duarte at Getafe with Flashscore's follow player feature.[/a][/b][/p][p] [/p]