Real Sociedad Coach Jagoba Arrasate admitted he takes a great deal of pride from beating Villarreal.
A Javier Ros goal was enough to put La Real into the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey with the Basque side winning at El Madrigal only days after conceding five goals in the same ground.
“These things happen in football,” Arrasate told reporters.
“Overnight everything can change. We played a very focused game and getting the first goal made it easier.
“If they score the penalty we might have bottled it.
“Villarreal played a great game on Monday but Thursday wasn’t so good for them because we recovered well.”
Arrasate was unable to put his finger on what went wrong in the League meeting between the sides but was fulsome in his praise for the Cup victory.
“The other day we were wrong all over. This time we did a great job.
“All the players put in a great performance. The entire team was good, but especially the three midfielders.
“This win means a lot.”
Real now play Racing in the quarter-final and despite facing Segunda B opposition, the Coach is not taking the prospect lightly.
“We’re playing an opponent who is there on merit.
“They have knocked out Sevilla and Almeria so we have to respect them.”
