After a brilliant 2-6 win at El Alcoraz, Valencia CF coach Marcelino addressed the media to talk about the result, Huesca's relegation and the boost in morale that the victory gives his team ahead of Thursday's crunch clash with Arsenal.
The game
"We needed to win in order to continue aspiring to take fourth place, so it was a final for us. We started the game very well, with a goal from Wass right after the kickoff. We had a very good game, with a high level of effectiveness in front of goal -something that has been our problem throughout the season. The first two goals came early and gave us confidence. We had a fantastic game and the result gives us momentum for Thursday."
The comprehensive scoreline
"In terms of more, it's a boost ahead of Thursday, especially the way that we played and how we converted our chances on goal. Today we had that effectiveness; a win was required and it was good for us. I feel bad for our opponents because it isn't nice to be relegated in this way."
Negatives
"The negative is that Coquelin picked up his fifth yellow card, meaning that he won't be available for the next LaLiga game. But in terms of our play, speed and precision, it was a good game. The team felt very comfortable, as today we had chances and put them away. We are very happy and now we have to be very focused on Thursday; this gives us confidence for that game. Today was all or nothing, and the show of effort, good play, teamwork and commitment was obvious."
The Europa League semifinal
"Right after the first leg we knew the mistakes we had made, and we were very hurt by the final goal, but we were also clear that we were going to fight. I ask that the fans help us, and together we will make it a very difficult game for Arsenal in the return leg."
"If we are as accurate as we were today, I'm sure that the team are going to create chances and make Arsenal suffer. We are hopeful and excited, and we will leave everything out on the pitch to try to get to the final."
Would winning two games give VCF fourth?
"We have to win them. We can't look at any oother option. We need to take them one by one. This was a 'match point' that we got through, now we will focus on an exciting game against Arsenal and then on Alavés.
"Sevilla play Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano, Getafe visit Barça at the Camp Nou, and it's a matchday coming up in which results could go our way and leave us in fourth. But Barça need to beat Getafe and we need to beat Alavés."