Gómez: "It was important to win today to focus on the Champions League"

Maxi Gómez' winning goal against Espanyol was his fourth strike in five games. It also helped him to a first victory over Los Pericos.

The Uruguayan, who has a 50% conversion rate from his 10 shots, gave his opinions on the goal and the performance in the post-match mixed zone.

"I'm very happy about the win, the performance, the grit we showed and the three points. We were sleeping a little in the first half, but the coach spoke to us at halftime, we changed things around and we went back out with a winning attitude. These games are very tricky," he told VCF Media.

On his goal, he said that "Everybody is important in the team, and we've been suffering bad luck with injuries. I believe that the coach has faith in me, and I try to work for the team. If it's not with goals, then I have to run, defend and attack. It's even better if I score though, because a number 9 lives for goals."

Up next is the Champions League game against Lille, in which Gómez hopes to open his European goal account.

"I hope I can! We strikers are all about scoring goals, but even if I don't score, I hope to help the team. It was important to win today, so that we could focus on the Champions League and get the win we deserve," he explained.

One thing he may not have a chance to do is take penalties, with Dani Parejo finding the net again from the spot on Matchday 12.

"He can keep taking them and scoring; he never misses!" said Gómez with a chuckle.