Villarreal boss Marcelino said he was delighted with his side’s display in the 5-2 thrashing of Rayo Vallecano.
An Ikechukwu Uche hat-trick and Jeremy Perbet’s brace ensured a comfortable evening for the Yellow Submarine, who moved back into the European places on their return to the top flight after last season’s relegation.
“I thought we played with pace, accuracy and confidence, yet I didn’t expect a performance such as this,” Marcelino told Onda Cero’s Al Primer Toque programme afterwards.
“I’m delighted to have won 5-2 away from home at a ground that is not considered easy to come to.
“Rayo are a team that press a lot and impose a very high rhythm in their matches, but we go away having played really well.
“Our idea beforehand was to be organised and make our opponents feel uncomfortable. Then, we wanted to take advantage of the spaces Rayo would leave at the back because they get a lot of men behind the ball.
“Overall I think we combined very well but I did not believe we would be at this level, although I have great trust in this squad.
“I hoped for a lot from them but to be rubbing shoulders with the best teams, including the top three who we gave some trouble, even I did not expect.”
