Marcelino: ""It was very important to win this game, and we did it"

Marcelino reflected on a very important victory for Valencia CF against Real Betis in the press room at the Benito Villamarín, and praised his side getting 3 points that provide a tremendous boost ahead of the final fixtures of the season.

The result
"It was very important to win this game, and we did it, although things became difficult when we were in control. This win puts us in a very good situation: It takes us further clear of a direct rival in Real Betis, and we also have the advantage in goal average over them. We are very proud and grateful to this team for how they work, how they push and how they compete. Even though we had a scare at the end, we did a very good job."

A boost ahead of the game against Atletico Madrid
"It's undoubtedly a lift. We moved up into fifth today, ahead of Sevilla FC and two points behind Getafe CF. We've got Real Betis 9 points behind us. This game was one that we had circled on the calendar 2-3 weeks ago. It was very important, so this win means a big boost in morale and self esteem."

Hanging on at the end
"If you aren't able to suffer then you won't beat anyone. Only Barça win without suffering. This is especially true at the end of the season, when every team is playing for something. There are a lot of teams involved in the battle for Europe, and these players are used to suffering: We didn't have a good start to the season, when we were drawing games despit deserving more. All of the Valencia CF fans should feel proud of these players."

Champions League qualification and two finals
"That would be extraordinary, but we haven't clinched fourth place, the Copa del Rey final will be very difficult and we are two games away from the other final. We are on the right path, and we would have taken this situation before, had it been offered to us, but I hope we have 9 games remaining: That would mean two finals. I hope we are able to achieve it."

Guedes' form
"Guedes has been a decisive factor with his contributions. He scored two great goals."

Rodrigo's sending off
"His involvement in the game was very important, because he gave us an outlet, control, and he handled dangerous situations well. His sending off was down to the referee's interpretation of the incident; before that, Betis could have gone down to ten men, but the referee chose to give the player a warning rather than another yellow card."