Mauricio Pellegrino has dismissed the notion that his Valencia side were lucky to leave the Santiago Bernabeu with a point against Real Madrid.
Los Che held Jose Mourinho’s side to a 1-1 draw on Sunday evening, for a result that the new Coach believes was borne of his players’ preparation and attitude.
“It was no accident. In the end the game became on that could have gone either way. We could have lost or won. It was an interesting game,” he told reporters this evening.
“The team has worked very well, they gave their all. The minimum is their professionalism, which I expect of them each week.
“They delivered and I’m not surprised because they were playing against a rival in the table in Real Madrid and even in a heavy climate that was demanding for both sets of players.
“The team worked very well, there was no coincidence to our work. You can lose but the team must always give their best.”
Pellegrino picked out two players in particular for their performances.
“Diego Alves was very good. Those who know and watch our games know that he is playing very well. I have the luck of having two great ‘keepers.
“For Joao Pereira, it is good that he played well on his debut, he can gain confidence and win the respect of our fans. He is a player who can give everything. I liked how he did today.”
