Atletico Madrid full-back Jesus Gamez said he was delighted with the resilience shown by the whole team in the 1-0 win at Villarreal.
A second-half goal from Fernando Torres proved enough to down the Yellow Submarine and the former Malaga defender admitted it had come at an opportune moment for Diego Simeone’s men.
“First of all we knew this was going to be a difficult game that would be decided by the smallest details,” Gamez told reporters.
“Fernando took advantage of his entry onto the pitch and the goal came at a good time. We were suffering but managed to retain our composure and keep a clean sheet, so the three points are very welcome.
“The changes made [when Raul Garcia, Torres and Saul came on] were good for us and the dynamic of the game changed. Fernando’s move was instrumental and then we just had to hold on, which we did and I’m very pleased about it.”
Gamez was asked about his recent conversion to left-back having played on the right-hand side all his professional career.
“The Coach is aware that I’m available to the team wherever he wishes to play me and where he thinks best.
“As a result, he wants me to play out there on the left-hand side of defence,” he explained.
