Manu del Moral sees Elche’s close-fought defeat to Real Madrid in Week 6 as a potential turning point to their season.
Whilst seeing Los Blancos take the three points at the Martinez Valero with a controversial last-gasp penalty, Los Franjiverdes have since gone on to record back to back wins in the Spanish top flight for the first time in 29 years.
Those wins over Celta Vigo and Espanyol were the result of the team’s boost in confidence felt against Carlo Ancelotti’s side, says one of the team’s regulars in attack.
“We were playing well, but we had not been lucky enough to have picked up three points beforehand, which ultimately is what matters,” considered Del Moral this week.
“The team had been doing the right things, though. Whilst we did not get a point in the game against Real Madrid, it did give us confidence.
“It made us open our eyes and think that if we stood up to a team of that potential, then we can also do so against other teams.
“The game against Madrid made us take extra confidence in ourselves and, I do not know if it was a turning point, but from there we have achieved two important victories.
“What we need to do now is not be complacent, we must continue working as we have done. This team does not show signs of being comfortable, to continue picking up points is our objective.
“We had gone a long time since winning two straight and we have to keep in mind that to do so in the Primera Division is not easy, which means we are doing things right.
“Now that we have boarded that train, we have to stay on course and go to Seville to get the three points against Real Betis, but it will not be easy.
“We must keep our feet on the ground and work with humility.”
