Rioja: "The team deserved more"

LuísRioja talked after the 2-2 stalemate with Deportivo Alavés, in which heconverted a penalty against his former club.

An insufficient draw
 The team deserved more. When we were at our best we conceded the goal to make it 1-2. We didn't want our opponents to take the three points and today we earned one that is not enough. At least it's something that allows us to keep pushing. But at home we have to take the three points; now we are in a dynamic where everything is against us.

Going behind twice
 When we equalised we took a big step forward by playing well on the wings, hanging around in the opposing area, but then we fell 1-2 behind and we had to overcome that. Until last week we had never equalised to draw a game, and now we have done so twice in 4 days. It is a step forward -a small step- that we hope will help us grow. We know the situation we are in and we have to keep pushing together.

A small step forward
 Everything counts. We have to try to be outside the relegation zone on Matchday 38 and we have to push and continue picking up points little by little. We want people to gain confidence and the fans to get on board. It's difficult now because of the situation, but with our hard work and effort we're going to try.

The Christmas break

Now I'll disconnect with my family, recharge my batteries, free my mind and switch off, in order to reconnect and come back after Christmas ready to take a step forward.

Playing at fullback

I'm trying to adapt to everything the club and the team ask of me, and help my teammates from whatever position I'm fielded in. I have to adapt as quickly as possible. We've made progress, so have I, and we've all ended up on an upward trend. Wherever I play, I'll try to keep improving and helping my teammates, and I'm sure that together we'll get through this.