REAL MADRID 0-VILLARREAL 1
Calleja: 'We were intelligent and effective as we made history'
The Villarreal manager spoke after his side's historic win over Real Madrid on Saturday and spoke about how they won along with Asenjo's excellent performance.
Javi Calleja, Villarreal's manager, spoke to the press after his side's historic victory at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday afternoon against Real Madrid.
How do you feel after the victory? "Any time you win three points at a stadium like this, you know it's wonderful. Very happy. It had to be at one point and we are happy to have got a win here."
In the second, you shook of Real Madrid's dominance from the first half? "We were comfortable, we were coming out more dangerously. In the first half, they had us pushed back and we struggled to break. In the second, when we saw that we were level, we knew that the time could go in our favour. We were intelligent and effective.
Do you think Villarreal making it to the Champions League is possible? "I don't see it as being impossible, if we are winning and climbing, prepared mentally, we can do it. In the top, there are four really good teams, they will be there fighting, we can't slip up in order to catch them."
Did you imagine the game going like that? "It went very similar to what we expected. We knew that we were going to suffer. They had chances but Asenjo had a massive game. If we were able to keep tight at the back and not concede a goal, we knew that we would have chances. In the second half, we grew and started to play really intelligently. Everything ended up very well"
How important was the defensive phase? "If we didn't arrive and defend well, it was going to be impossible. The potential Real Madrid have is extraordinary, we had to find superiorities and support. That is what kept us alive. We have quality and players to unbalance. That's where the goal came from, defending well."
How do you value what Asenjo is doing? "His level is extraordinary, he is an example to everyone. He did not break down after four injuries, which says it all about the player, and his ability to overcome. I am convinced that he will continue in this line and in the national side. He will return, I hope."
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