José Luis Gayà talked to VCF Media after Valencia CF's away defeat in Madrid, and emphasised the importance of returning from the international break ready for a tough run of fixtures.

The defeat

It's obviously tough, because we came into this one off two wins at home and a good showing at the Camp Nou. We took a step backwards today and we've got the international break now. After that it's the most important part of the season, with a run of games that are going to decide everything. We're going to focus on the next game, against Rayo Vallecano at home, where we're strong at the moment, but today we didn't compete well and it's a defeat that hurts.

The keys to the game

It's not an excuse at all, We came here with a clear intention and we couldn't take the game where we wanted it. They hit us between the lines very easily and played passes through too comfortably. Their change of flanks also hurt us because that created a lot of space. We weren't able to take the game to where we wanted it and we didn't play well today. We needed to compete better and it's a pity, because in the situation we are in we have to compete more. In the next game, at home against Rayo, we need to go all-out again and try to get the three points.

The fixture list

We have a month coming up in which everything will be on the line, playing against rivals who are at the bottom with us. It's important to disconnect, recuperate and get ready for the home stretch in LaLiga with the utmost seriousness. We know that there is a lot at stake and we need to stick together.