Jorge Pulido had an incredible experience with the trip to Norway. Formed in the Atlético de Madrid academy, he has the chance to play in a Europa League match with the first team after being included on the roster for this fixture. The young ‘rojiblanco’ centre-half spoke to the media before heading off with the expedition for Trondheim. “It’s a nice experience to travel with the team to Norway. It’s the team I’ve played for my entire life and we hope to travel there and win, as we did against Rosenborg in last week’s game at the Calderón.”

He acknowledged that he’s living a dream because “I didn’t expect to travel, but you always have to be working your hardest and that way good things will come. Will I play? I have to take things step-by-step. Travelling is a prize in itself for me. I hope to be included in the squad list and go step-by-step.”

What is clear is that the match against the Norwegians is vital for Atlético de Madrid in their aspirations to move forward in the Europa League. “We know that it’s a fundamental match to make it to the next round. That’s why we have to give our all and try to return from Norway with the three points. We also know that it’s a tough stadium, like all of the stadiums in Europe, but we’re going to go out to win.”

With respect to this Sunday’s encounter against Real Madrid, he was asked if he thought he has a chance to play due to the absences of Perea, through suspension, and Godín, recently operated on for appendicitis. “I don’t know if I have options. I do my work and I’m taking it little-by-little. The gaffer is the one who decides. But now we’re focused on the match against Rosenborg and there will be time to think about Madrid starting on Friday.”