Moncayola’s career has been meteoric since 2019. He entered Osasuna when he was ten years old and went through all the lower categories. He was a substitute in the youth team in the 2016-17 season and from there he went to Iruña, the second subsidiary, from Third. In a few months it jumped to the first red satellite, the Promises. In two years he was in the first team and now he is a basic player.
They arrive at the Bernabéu at a good moment, after four games without losing and with 18 points in the locker.
Yes. It’s a good time. We arrived at the moment we had to arrive to go to a field like the Bernabéu. We know that it is going to be a complicated challenge, at the Bernabéu, which seems to be looking spectacular. We are going with great enthusiasm, to compete, to enjoy and with nothing to lose. The good moment we are in also allows us that.
La Liga Santander
* Data updated as of October 26, 2021
They come from winning in classic at the Camp Nou and they will be full …
Yes. In addition, they have a very good squad, with very good players and a very wide one. I do not know if they will opt for the rotations or will play the usual ones, but whatever they play it will be difficult because they are also in a good moment. We will try to take advantage of the options we have.
When you saw the calendar in summer, would you have imagined playing Madrid with such a small difference in points?
The truth is, no. It is true that we have complicated exits now. So far we have won every game away and hopefully we can continue to say the same thing on Thursday. We know it is complicated. With the so complicated stretch of the calendar that we have now, we are in a good moment, with confidence and doing things well. We are going to compete.
And with the tranquility it gives to have already added more points than last year in the entire first round …
At times the fear of the bad streak that we went through last year appears, but this season it seems that, for now, we are on a streak and hopefully it lasts a little longer. We don’t want to relax because we know that if we do, things won’t work out. We will try to get the points that are needed little by little, whatever.
As I mentioned, they are the only LaLiga and European team that have added all possible points away from home. The Bernabéu is a complicated square, but you have to try to maintain that condition in any way.
Yes. We are ‘lucky’ to have had two more days off than they did and they will have been thinking exclusively about the Classic. In that sense we can have some advantage, but it will be a very difficult game.
The days before a game against Real Madrid, are they special?
They are special where we go. The Bernabéu is a field, it is a field in which you always like to play, in which you enjoy the atmosphere and the football atmosphere that there is. We also go with that feeling in the body that you have to do many things and very well to get something positive and sometimes, it is not even possible. I think it’s the best time we can play there.
How are you seeing Madrid in this first leg of the League?
They are passing over many teams, especially in attack. They make a lot of goals, they create chances. Benzama and Vinicius are in a spectacular moment. There is a lot of talk about how defensively they concede, but I don’t see them as bad. I think that, together with Real, they are being the most regular team in terms of results, good football and chances. We will try to take advantage of the options we have.
Who is the Real Madrid player that you like the most?
I don’t have any favorites, but with Benzema I’m really enjoying the start of the season. I think he is playing at the best level of his career. Hopefully Wednesday will not have the day.
What do you consider the greatest danger for Madrid?
If we are as we should be, we will have a large part of the work done. Even so, the minutes are very long in games like this. Then they will draw five refreshment players who will be almost as good as the ones on the field. Hopefully a good day will come out for everyone.
What would it mean for you to win at the Bernabéu?
It is something you always dream of, but in the two years that I have played, it has not been possible. Osasuna has not won for many years at the Bernabéu, but they have achieved it throughout their history 0-4 and 0-3. Osasunistas remember those games down to their fingertips. It would be something historic, beautiful and that we would always remember as when we won two years ago at the Camp Nou. It’s a soul kick.
He did not start against Granada, but everything indicates that he will be at the Bernabéu …
I have no idea. Each game is different and I don’t know how the coach will put it. We will go into the matter. Play or not, with the team at full throttle. As long as it is time to play, if it touches, I will give it my all and see if we do something historic.
Are you satisfied with how things are going in this first leg of the League?
Yes. Although it is true that there have been some games in which physically it has cost me a little more, but based on playing the rhythm is picking up. That the team wins is above all else, apart from individual performances. When all three points are achieved it is the most important thing.
He has had to live a few intense months …
It has been a bit rough mountain. I caught the Covid and I missed the European. Then I renewed, then it was the Olympic Games, we lost the final. They have been a beautiful, intense months and being prepared for many situations. I received many messages, suggestions, speculations that if I was going or staying … At all times I have done what I wanted. I am very happy with the current situation and I hope we continue this well.
Do you see yourself as the typical quarry player who spends his entire career in Osasuna like Cruchaga or Puñal?
That is why I signed such a long contract. Soccer takes many turns. but it would be nice. Being a great captain is not one of my goals. I don’t see myself with those responsibilities. but I would like to be an important player for Osasuna for many years and above all to enjoy it.
Do you dare to bet on a result at the Bernabéu?
Hopefully a 0-1. Something close and scoring in the last minutes, as we have been doing. Leaving the door to zero would also be epic and more so at the Santiago Bernabéu.
And to round off, with a goal from Moncayola?
I don’t care who scores the goal. As if the goalkeeper puts it in order to get something positive.