Match analysis
“It’s difficult to explain. I think the match went over the trio of referees. There was a moment of great tension. These are tough games and we’re only on matchday 12. Both teams were incredibly intense, with very good pace, and with relative calm until the 85th minute. We saw the intensity needed to play a match of this category, but without anything strange occurring. Following the first expulsion, everything became somewhat twisted and different situations took place that led the game to spiral out of control. Now we must recover the team, see which players are sanctioned for the next match, go back to the drawing board, focus on the upcoming game and congratulate Osasuna. Until minute 80 we had everything under control. Between the 80th and 90th minutes the match totally changed course”.
Expulsion of Blanco Leschuk
“The expulsion of Gustavo. The match was super controlled. They were running and passing a great deal. We tried to cover the area well upfront. The match was pretty calm until the sending off. I was quite close to the action and it didn’t look like a foul. These are situations that can happen in a match, both for and against, and today things went against us. There are 30 matches remaining. At times they will benefit us, other times they won’t. Today it affected us and was a clear turning point. I believe until Gustavo was sent off our players managed the game perfectly. Play was intense, with good pace, good pressure and a real game. A game in which there were second plays, disputes, contacts… everything was calm until the expulsion”.
Keep working
“As it stands, the team is in first place, so why am I going to worry? If we were in last place I’d worry. We’re at the top of the standings. We played a good game, showed good rhythm and were winning 0-1 until the final 15 minutes. Osasuna had chances from two set pieces and scored. We shouldn’t be disappointed in such a situation. We were a man down for some time and the lads did what they had to do and will have to keep doing in order to achieve the objectives”.
