Matheus: When you're a kid, you dream of playing in games like these

Matheus Pereira has previewed the promotion playoffs and declared that “when you're a kid, you dream of playing in games like these”.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the first leg of the first promotion playoff, the Brazilian midfielder stressed that Eibar will set out “to win both legs” against Deportivo Alavés.

ON LOOKING FORWARD TO PLAYING

“The win in Huesca was important because we'd gone many games without a win and we needed the victory to come into the playoffs feeling good and confident. We've come into it in a good way and we're looking forward to playing. We know it's going to be a tough and complicated game, but we're looking forward to playing.”

ON FULFILLING A DREAM

“When you're a kid, you dream of playing in games like these. We’re working hard this week and preparing very well for the match.”

“My time at Eibar has been very good and, to make it even better, I want to get promoted with this club. Since I arrived here I've felt at home, both myself and my family. I want to do what's best for the fans and for this club and hopefully we can get promoted.”

ON FACING ALAVÉS

“They are a very good team, with very good players. We know it won't be an easy game, so we have to give our best to win. Alavés and Eibar are two very good teams, with great players. We're both working very hard and it'll be a good game.”

“It doesn't change anything that Alavés have the advantage in the event of a draw. We have the mentality to win both legs, as we're always going to go for the win.”

ON THE FANS

“The main objective was to be promoted directly, but it wasn't possible. Now the objective is to get promoted through the playoffs and we are going to fight for that.”

“The fans are very close to us, they support us at all times. We want to get promoted with Eibar for our fans and for this club, which deserves it so much. We have to take advantage of the fact that we're playing in front of our fans to win the first leg here. We know that Vitoria will be a very tough game at their ground, but we'll try to win in the same way.”

ON THE MENTALITY

“There are no favourites in this type of match. You have to go in with a very good mentality to win, and whoever plays better is going to win. We hope to do the right things to win. I played some playoffs with Barça B, but it's not the same as a playoff to get promoted to the top division. I'm approaching it with great enthusiasm. I'm happy and I'm trying to do my best during the week to enter the game in a good way.”

“The mentality is fundamental. You can be good physically, with or without the ball, but what is going to change is the head, the mentality. We have to have a good head and the mentality that it's going to be a very difficult game.”