Karanka: We kept believing in ourselves when everyone was saying we had lost the title

Apr 12, 2012 12:55:00 AM

Jose Mourinho's assistant noted that it was the team's never-say-die attitude that made the difference against Los Rojiblancos, and praise Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka has stressed that the Liga leaders never stopped believing in themselves in the wake of Wednesday's 4-1 victory against Atletico Madrid.

Los Blancos' lead over Barcelona has shrunken to four points after three draws in their last six games, but Karanka is adamant that Madrid never lost believe that they can win the league title.

"When everyone was saying we had lost the title we kept believing in ourselves. Everyone remains calm and confident," Karanka told a post-match news conference.

"We knew it was not going to be easy. Many were betting against us, but we always trusted this team. Now we have to stay on his track."

Karanka then went on to praise Cristiano Ronaldo following his hat-trick in the win over Atletico.

"He was spectacular, but it was everyone's work that made the difference,"

"We knew it was not going to be easy. Many were betting against us, but we always trusted this team. Now we have to stay on his track."

Karanka also praised the team's fighting spirit after watching Falcao restore parity, saying: "When the match got tough, when things were tied and there 30 minutes left on the clock, we did well.

"We scored a goal without too much trouble, but we knew that 1-0 was not enough. We knew that if it stayed like this, Atletico could level things up and cause us problems.

"But when they made it 1-1, we showed our personality and killed the game off."

Madrid, who are four points clear of second-placed Barcelona, will tackle Sporting de Gijon on Saturday in their next La Liga match.

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