Marcelino: “We needed a win like this, with both precision and strength”
09/02/2026
The Villarreal coach praised his team’s excellent performance against a “high-level” opponent like RCD Espanyol
Villarreal CF head coach Marcelino García Toral reflected on the team’s important and emphatic 4-1 victory over RCD Espanyol, a win that strengthens the Yellow Submarine’s position in the tight race for European places.
“We’re proud to have 45 points at this stage of the season. We came from a difficult run we didn’t want, but football is never easy when it comes to maintaining a high level all season. This was a tough game against the sixth-placed team, and we won it clearly and convincingly, taking an 11-point advantage plus goal difference. The fans also enjoyed it. I’m very satisfied, and I’m sure this will give us confidence,” Marcelino said.
The Asturian coach also praised his players’ performance: “We played a complete game. We started very well, creating chances to take the lead. Then the first goal came, closely followed by the second, which gave us a lot of confidence. The second half started with two fantastic goals, and we left them with very few opportunities.”
Marcelino also acknowledged how much the team needed this win: “We needed to win. In the games we lost, we were close. We lacked decisiveness, while our opponents caused us problems with very little. Today was different. We barely conceded and played with precision.”
