One of several players rotated into the starting lineup for Valencia CF’s game against Real Valladolid, Jaume Domenech believes the victory can kick-start the final run-in for the team and bring them closer to their target of European football for next season. He spoke with VCF Media after the match to give his thoughts.

“It’s an important victory, because it keeps us in the fight to get into the Europa League. I think that the other day we could have taken the win. It finally came today and it should give us strength for the three remaining ‘finals,’” he explained.

“In the end, when you have a dynamic in which you aren’t taking the three points it is harder to have confidence. However, we keep on fighting and today we got the win. We’ll see if we can keep up this dynamic of picking up consecutive wins and get to where we want to be at the end of the season.”

The goalkeeper was not kept too busy in the opening stanza, but a quick Valladolid goal after half time left his team with it all to do.

“Conceding in the first minute of the second half is a blow, because I think that we had a complete first half in which they didn’t have chances, then in the first minute of the second half they equalise. I think that the team recovered well, and that we deserved the win.

“Our objective was to get back to winning ways and get our confidence back. I think that today is an important step; we performed well the other day against Granada, and I think that today is a big step. Now we turn our focus to Leganes; we will prepare well and go for it.”

The win -and his return to the starting XI, also had personal significance for Jaume.

“I’m always happy to get back playing and competing. I was able to help the team to pick up the three points. That’s what we’re here for. We’re going to keep working like this so that more opportunities come our way.

“I’m happy to be able to dedicate a win to my daughter Valentina and to my wife. That’s something that I also liked.”