Jose Riveiro spoke about the pivotal role Khanyisa Mayo played in their victory against CR Belouizdad, emphasizing how the winger’s introduction early in the second half shifted the dynamic of the game. According to Riveiro, the decision to bring Mayo on after 30 minutes significantly improved his team’s control over the match.
“The introduction of Mayo gave us more control,” Riveiro told the media. “It was clear that his presence on the field made a difference. We had already analyzed both the strengths and weaknesses of our opponents, and while we knew what to expect in terms of their technical ability, we weren’t surprised by their performance. We’ve seen it before, and we prepared accordingly.”
Riveiro acknowledged that playing against a team like CR Belouizdad at home, especially on a fast and challenging pitch, posed its own set of challenges. However, the coach was confident in his team’s preparation and resilience. “We knew what would happen in the second half. When you play against a team like this on their home ground, you expect them to come out strong, and the pitch was extremely fast, which only added to the pressure.”
Despite the intense environment, Riveiro was pleased with how his team handled the situation, noting that they were able to maintain their advantage and secure the victory. “Luckily, we managed to keep the advantage we had and went home with all three points. It was a tough match, but we were prepared, and that’s what ultimately helped us succeed.”
