Muniain: “There is no doubt that Real Madrid are the clear favourites”

How do you imagine Bilbao in the distance?

It is an important day. There is a title at stake. The opportunity to play a new final and for the players, the club and the fans is a beautiful, exciting day. I think that the few fans who have been able to come and the people who support us from home will be very attentive and with us at all times. As always when we play a final, everything is ready in case we win the title and tomorrow it will be the same way.

They have played very often against Madrid in December, is it an advantage?

We have played two games in December against them. We have both been defeated, but beyond the result they have been very close matches, with many options to win the match. More than the Bernabéu, but they have been matched. Here we all know each other, we have played many times and today the rival is studied a lot. We will try to face the match with the maximum guarantees and at the level that this event deserves.

What do they have to do perfectly to sink their teeth into Madrid?

Sinking your teeth into Real Madrid is always difficult. The decisive capacity that he has in his lines is obvious and it is a difficult challenge, just like against Atlético or against Barcelona. In the last edition we were able to beat Madrid in the semis and Barça in the final and it is an important challenge. It had been many years since we met in a final. I think the team has played some games very well, despite not having the results we expected. In terms of game and attitude, we arrived at a good moment of form, mentality and maximum ambition and I think it could be a nice night of football.

How do you see the game?

The fact that it is a final is an incentive for the matches to be more closed, because there is always a certain respect for the title that is at stake, which is also more open in LaLiga. But, despite this, it is a difficult game for everyone. We are a difficult rival to beat and if they want to win this title they will have to do things very well. This season we have put everyone in difficulties, those who beat us were tight and that has to strengthen us for what we want to be tomorrow.

Has Madrid lost favoritism watching the semifinals?

It is clear that Real Madrid is the clear favourite. Both last season and this season, we were the least favorites for the title, but once the ball rolls, what you do and your merits in the 90 minutes are what decide the balance for one side or the other.

How do they beat Madrid? Perhaps in enthusiasm and motivation?

It may be that in these types of aspects we give a plus above. It is clear that they in all their lines have an important quality and determination and it is to be taken into account. But in terms of enthusiasm, motivation, heart… I think we have always been a team and we have shown it above all else. Tomorrow will not be less. It is always important to be able to fight for a title, both for them and for us.

Do they face the final like last season?

The sensations are similar. Last year we also knew that we were facing the best rivals and this year it has not been otherwise. We eliminated Madrid, now Atlético and what takes you to a final and the good vibe of eliminating these teams is something important to face the grand final.

The fans will support Madrid, what atmosphere do they expect?

It’s normal, Real Madrid has many more fans around the world. They are teams that sell more and have more followers wherever they go. It could be verified against Barça and tomorrow many people will go with them. But we saw in our game that people want to have fun, watch good games and if we can win, then much better, that people enjoy. What we want is to raise the glass again.