Real Madrid's Raul: Valencia win so important

Real Madrid produced the perfect smash-and-grab performance to defeat Valencia 1-0 at the Mestalla last night.
 
Despite being second best for much the evening, Real left Valencia with a crucial three points courtesy of skipper Raul's 51st minute effort.

At the final whistle, Raul said: "To win in Valencia was a very important victory for us, although we suffered a lot. Valencia are one of the candidates to be among the challengers at the end of the season, of that I am sure."

"For that reason to win here, at the Mestalla, has special merit. Without a doubt, this is a great inspiration for us. It has been a very physical game, as we had already anticipated."

"It is true that in the last 15 minutes I have had to vary a little my position to help Michel Salgado, who was very tired. I play where the trainer commands me, it is important to look after the good of the team."

Real coach Fabio Capello also admitted: "Valencia had more chances to score than us. What happened today was that they were unlucky and we had a little luck when we needed it."