Marcelo has revealed that he had a panic attack before Real Madrid’s Champions League final against Liverpool in 2018.
The Brazilian left-back started the match and played the full game as Los Blancos emerged 3-1 winners to claim a record-breaking third Champions League title in a row.
However, he has admitted he felt an anxiety unlike anything he has ever experienced before the game.
“I couldn’t breathe,” Marcelo told The Players’ Tribune. “I was trying not to panic. This was in the dressing room right before the Champions League final against Liverpool in 2018. It felt like I had something stuck in my chest. This huge pressure. Do you know that feeling? I am not talking about nerves. Nerves are normal in football. This was something different. I am telling you, brother, it felt like I was suffocating.
“I don’t care who you are. You’re just trying not to s*** your pants. It’s the truth, brother! For me, the pressure was the most intense before the Liverpool final. Maybe people will think that’s strange. We had already won two trophies in a row. Everybody on the outside wanted Liverpool to win. So what’s the problem? Well, when you have a chance to make history you feel that weight.
“But for some reason, I was feeling it. I had never had such intense anxiety before, so I didn’t know what was happening. I thought about calling for the doctor, but I was worried that he wouldn’t let me play. And I had to play, 100 per cent. I had to prove something to myself.”
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Marcelo played his part despite his nerves as two Loris Karis howlers and a Gareth Bale overhead kick saw Los Blancos victorious on the European stage once more.