Madrid international relations director Emilio Butragueño on the relationship between the two clubs

Speaking with the press following an institutional lunch between Sporting CP and Real Madrid this Tuesday, The Spanish giants' head of international relations, Emilio Butragueño, reflected on the blossoming relationship being crafted between the teams from the two Iberian capitals.

"The relationship between Sporting CP and Real Madrid is fantastic. We are delighted to be here and Sporting CP are great hosts. These matches are a great chance to really strengthen the relationships between clubs and here are two big names who have to work together for the sake of football", said Butragueño, adding a word on the first-leg in Madrid: "Sporting CP played really well and put us under pressure. We had a bit of luck at the end, which you need on occasions like that. Of course the individual quality of some of our players helped a low as well. We are expecting something similar today, against a team that has to get something from the game."

Questions about CR7 were inevitable and the Madrid representative was happy to oblige: "Cristiano means a lot to us. He started here and he is really thankful to Sporting CP. He is always showing that. For him this will be a special night, but he is a great professional and I hope that makes the difference for us."