Gayà: "We need as many points as possible before the international break"

José Luis Gayà reacted to the result and his red card in the 0-3 loss to Real Madrid, speaking to VCF Media.

THE DEFEAT

“I think we had managed to even the game out in the first half. We started quite well, and in the first 10–15 minutes, we looked good. The specific move leading to the first goal really hurt us, given how it unfolded. Everyone on the pitch could see that Maffeo’s challenge was a legal shoulder charge; not only did the referee call a foul, but the resulting yellow card also hampered us for the rest of the match. From that point on, we really struggled. That first goal took a significant mental toll on us, and the team couldn’t find a response. We tried to adjust in the second half by changing our formation and playing more offensively, but it just wasn’t to be. Now, it’s time to focus on the Copa del Rey match.”

PLAYING AGAINST TOUGH OPPOSITION

“We knew how difficult the game would be. Real Madrid were in their best form of the season and we’re well aware of the quality of their players, but we went out there to compete from start to finish, and we gave it our best.”

HIS SENDING OFF

“Honestly, I don’t know why I was sent off. I’m not sure if it was for the heaviness of the challenge or because I was the last man. It happened in the middle of the pitch, way out to one side; I went in hard, but with no intention of causing any harm. I didn’t go in with my studs up, and I was simply trying to break up the move. But the referee pulled out a red card immediately. I hope they review it and realise that it was just a normal part of the game; it wasn’t an act of aggression or anything of the sort.”

THE COPA DEL REY AND THE INTERNATIONAL BREAK

“We need to finish on a high note before the break. On Tuesday, we play here at Mestalla against a lower-division side, but we must focus on playing our own game and building some positive momentum. After that comes the international break, and we have to approach the six remaining matches of 2026 with the goal of securing as many points as possible, so we climb out of the bottom of the table as soon as we can.”

THE TRIBUTE TO JESÚS DE MIGUEL

“I saw everyone feeling very emotional. It’s a very sad loss, and it has left us all completely shaken. Let’s hope this never happens again on a football pitch. I wish all the best to his family and those close to him.”