Philippe Montanier praised his Real Sociedad players for fighting back against Real Madrid so as to keep their battle for fourth place alive until the end.
La Real head into Week 38 two points and a place behind Valencia in the fight for the final Champions League place, after Los Che defeat Granada and La Real drew 3-3 at home to Madrid on Sunday evening.
“It was a match that was a little strange, because we played a good first half, without giving away anything, beyond the mistake for Higuain’s goal,” reflected Montanier in looking back at the six-goal thriller at Anoeta in Week 37.
“We created many chances. Here we played against a great goalkeeper and our team fought to the end. It is an important point because we are now alive until the end.
“It has been a great game, a spectacle, but we knew that against Madrid it would be difficult because any mistake is their advantage to score.
‘I am very proud, more than ever of the game and this team. We are alive and Valencia are also obliged to win at Sevilla.
“We will play a great game in Coruna, it will be special for both.
“I’m glad that we have fought to come up with the chance until the final day.
“I do not think we will be nervous. The feeling is that Madrid provoked our mistakes and, above all, that they had the quality to make the most of it.
“During the second half we lost balls in defence and that’s always dangerous against Madrid.”
