Marcelino blamed Valencia’s 2-0 defeat to Juventus on a lack of ‘resolve’, but his appraisal was marred by Cristiano Ronaldo’s red card.
Valencia were playing their first Champions League game in three years, but it was one to forget as Miralem Pjanic scored two penalties in three minutes, directly either side of half-time.
However, Juve’s win on Wednesday wasn’t without controversy, given Ronaldo was sent off midway through the first half for seemingly pulling Jeison Murillo’s hair.
“We faced a great team, who were better than us,” the Coach said in the mixed zone.
“After the red, the game was even but our opponents took advantage of our mistakes.
“It’s clear that the penalties penalised us. The penalty was a tough blow to take, just before half-time.
“We tried to recover and started the second half well, but the other penalty killed us off.
“A goal in the 45th minute and another in the 48th against such experts was very difficult to come back from.
“I didn’t see the Ronaldo incident. He was very affected by it and even cried because he said he didn’t do anything wrong.
“I think we have to compete at a higher level going forward, playing with more resolve and being more daring.”
Valencia 0-2 Juventus
Pjanic pens 44, 50, Ronaldo sent off 29 (J)
Valencia: Neto; Vezo (Cheryshev 57), Murillo, Gabriel, Gaya; Soler, Parejo, Wass, Guedes (Gameiro 70); Rodrigo, Batshuayi (Santi Mina 70)
Juventus: Szczesny; Cancelo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Khedira (Emre Can 22), Pjanic (Douglas Costa 66) (Rugani 89), Matuidi; Bernardeschi, Mandzukic, Ronaldo
Ref: Brych (GER)
