Federico Valverde celebrates 250 La Liga appearances for Real Madrid after Elche win: ‘Want to keep winning more titles’

Federico Valverde reached another landmark in a Real Madrid shirt on Tuesday, making his 250th La Liga appearance for the club during the 3-2 victory over Elche at the Martinez Valero.

The milestone arrived on a night when Madrid had to dig deep after surrendering a two-goal advantage, eventually securing victory through a late Carlos Espi goal.

For Valverde, though, the occasion carried significance beyond the result.

"You never imagine you'll reach this milestone, or achieve so much. I've achieved so much here.

"I want to keep winning more titles and continue making history at this club, leave my mark and make my name known at this great club, the best in the world.

"For me, it's an honour and a great source of satisfaction to keep achieving these things, to keep delivering for the team, and as long as the team wins, I'm happy," he told Real Madrid TV .

Valverde proud of Real Madrid's response

Valverde made his 250th La Liga appearance for Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The Uruguay international was pleased with much of what he saw from Real Madrid, particularly their first-half performance, despite the uncomfortable finish.

"We're delighted with the victory. We played one of our best first halves of the season.

"We're happy with the result and to be back to winning ways. We're happy for my teammates because I think they played a very good match and, above all, the goalscorers were there when they needed to be."

Yan Diomande was another talking point after the victory, with Valverde encouraged by what he has seen from the youngster.

"We're still getting to know Diomande. He's a player who possesses all the qualities needed when moving forward to take on defenders and in one-on-one situations.

"I have faith in him; we all have faith in him. I knew he'd have the chance to provide an assist or score, and he ended up with a spectacular pass to Mbappe."

Valverde already looking towards Atletico

Valverde is already looking forward to the Madrid derby. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

For Real Madrid, there is little time to savour the Elche victory, with the Madrid derby against Atletico coming at the weekend.

"We need to be in good shape for the derby at the weekend. This win gives us a huge boost, some positive energy, and now it's time to rest and prepare for the next match.

"We're excited, raring to go and full of energy. It was important to win so we'd be in good spirits going into the next match.

"We're happy with the victory, with how the team is performing, and with how the lads took to the pitch.

"The substitutes are very important to us. Today they turned the match around," he concluded.