Valencia manager Voro Gonzalez praised the personality and determination his side showed as they won their first La Liga match since October.
Goals in either half from Martin Montoya and Santi Mina gave Los Che a two-goal lead over Espanyol and despite David Lopez’s late consolation four minutes from time, the hosts saw out their first league victory since a win in Gijon in Cesare Prandelli’s first game in charge.
"First and foremost the team needed to win this match so because of that we are happy,” Voro told reporters after the game.
We played with intensity, with courage and we managed the match well on the pitch; our possession allowed us to control the areas of the pitch and also to create chances, and although the game was tight I was always confident in our ability.
“The team showed strong personality and character because this match was not straightforward and considering our situation it applies an extra layer of pressure to the performance.
“When you are at the wrong end of the table it’s easy to lack confidence and to allow your heads to drop but we kept battling and even when we conceded (a late goal) we were able to see out the win.”
