Villar the Albacete player from RM:I don’t think I have to apologize

Javier Villar was the player who broke the deadlock. The midfielder arrived late into the box from a corner kick in Albacete’s favor and made it 1–0 for the team from La Mancha, sending an early warning to Real Madrid. The visitors fell victim to the so-called “law of the ex,” the unwritten rule that says a former player will always be the one to haunt you – and Villar chose to celebrate his goal.

That celebration became a talking point on El Larguero on Cadena SER, where Villar was asked directly about it.

“At the end of the day, it’s a goal… I don’t think I have to apologize,” he said. “I didn’t do anything with the first team that would require an apology, and I don’t think many people even remember me. Now I’m at Albacete, and this is the club where I’m happy.”

The player, who has recently been deployed as a center back, also spoke on air about two other familiar names: Tomás Roncero and Carlos Alcaraz. Of the deputy editor of AS, Villar said he was “a legend,” adding that Roncero has followed him on Instagram since his academy days. As for Alcaraz, Villar explained that they know each other personally and may have exchanged congratulatory messages. “I know Alcaraz because he’s from the town next to mine, and we have a good relationship. When he won Roland Garros, we had a party together – it was madness, we were so happy,” he said.

These were some of Villar’s other comments:

On Xabi Alonso’s departure: “We knew it could be a turning point, but they haven’t been bad. For us, regardless of who the coach was, we knew we had a chance and that we were going to go all out.”

On Álvaro Arbeloa: “I know him from the training ground – when I was there, he coached the U16s and later the U18s. I have a good relationship with him, but he was never my coach.”

On Real Madrid’s performance: “I didn’t think they were bad, but it’s true that at home we’re a very solid team and difficult to play against. They have top-quality players who are comfortable on the ball in any situation, but we created danger, took advantage of our moments, and everything went perfectly.”

Celebrations and training schedule: “Yes, yes, we’re all going crazy in the locker room. We’re going to go out and celebrate together for a bit – we’re incredibly happy to have knocked out Real Madrid. They pushed training back: lunch is at 8:30 a.m. ET, then training at 10 a.m. ET. Much better – they treated us well.”

On his goal: “Yes, it was from a corner. I don’t know why, but I knew I was going to score. I had a hunch, went in full commitment, and I’m very happy.”

“We’d like to draw Barça”

In the mixed zone, the Albacete player made it clear who he would like next: Barcelona. The Catalan side still has its quarterfinal place to secure and must beat Racing on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET.

On the historic win: “When the draw came out, I thought we could hurt them. Yesterday I imagined things in my head – I imagined scoring. And that’s exactly what happened.”

On the game plan: “We were thinking more about extra time, but we knew we might get a chance on the counter. And that’s how it happened – the ball fell to him and it was a great goal.”

On his position: “The coach has always told me that I have more chances of playing as a center back. As long as I’m playing, I’m happy – wherever he puts me. Today it was at center back, and I think I did pretty well.”

On the next opponent: “Whoever comes through, we’ve shown that we can create danger against any team. We’d like Barça or anyone else. We’re focused on ourselves – and also on LaLiga, where we need to take a step forward.”

On the fans: “The reception was incredible – I’ve never seen anything like it. We came out with more desire than ever, and hopefully it stays that way every game.”