Unai Emery Has No Complaints After Valencia Crash At Espanyol

Valencia’s hopes of consolidating their Champions League berth suffered a setback on Sunday night when they were thumped 3-0 by an in-form Espanyol side.

The match was evenly contested as the two teams were deadlocked well past the hour mark and the scoreline perhaps flattered the Catalan relegation battlers. But Los Che's coach, Unai Emery, believes his side deserved to lose.

“Valencia played with intensity and character, but we ran into an opponent who had similar attributes,” he said during the post-match press conference.

“In the first 60 minutes, we were on top and we had chances but they soon began to press forward and once they scored their goal [in the 66th minute] they started to look more comfortable.

“The result has been just. They pushed us and we found it difficult to resist. They are in a positive mental state at the moment and they are a tough rival and it’s no coincidence that they are in form.”

Finally, Emery looked forward to the all-important clash against the wounded giants, Real Madrid, next weekend.

“We must start to reflect and think about the next match,” he urged. “I expect my opponent to be at their best but we will prepare for them with all the ambition in the world.”

Valencia remain fourth in the ladder despite the defeat but are now only one point ahead of both Atletico Madrid and Villarreal, in fifth and sixth respectively.     

KS Leong, Goal.com