‘Valencia won by playing ugly’

Nuno Santo admitted Valencia's 1-0 victory over Eibar 'wasn't pretty' but nonetheless revelled in his side's new-found resilience.

Los Che moved back into the Champions League places on Saturday courtesy of Paco Alcacer's first-half winner at Ipurua, and the Coach took pride in seeing his team successfully weather the storm against the new boys.

"Eibar are a good team, very organised, intense and have strong players who go for the ball," he told reporters after the match.

"We tried to play in a practical manner, and we won thanks to the goal we scored. Now we're on 31 points.

"We suffered a lot, but it was an honest and hardworking Valencia. We solved a dilemma, because the team suffered and won. Also, we came back from two goals down against Rayo Vallecano in the Copa on Wednesday.

"For this particular match, we played three at the back, two wingers and two strikers. It's another option for our team, and you have to be versatile.

"They all did a tremendous job, although I have to be self-critical about the football we played, it wasn't pretty.

"I'm sure Eibar will stay up because [Gaizka] Garitano has done a fantastic job, and so have his players too. The dynamics of last season have allowed them to continue strongly.

"We must congratulate them, not only for their work but also their supporters because it's been a pleasure to come to Ipurua."

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La Liga - Club News