ALONSO: "AFTER OUR FIRST GOAL, WE SETTLED IN AND SEALED THE DEAL"

Diego Alonso has spoken to the press following tonight's Copa del Rey victory against Atlético Astorga. "We found it quite difficult to create clear-cut opportunities early on, but after the goal the game started to open up. We created a lot more in the second half." When asked about the decision to play a mix of both veteran and youth players, he responded by saying "playing Sergio [Ramos] and Nema [Gudelj] was a tactical decision. Sergio didn't play on the weekend and we wanted Nema to have some minutes. Lucas [Ocampos] also came off the bench. But it was also a great opportunity to play some of the younger squad members. They all played very well and helped us to a stress-free victory."

Finally, the Uruguayan emphasised the need to continue on the same track: "The group has been unlucky recently so we needed this victory and have to savour it, but we also have to keep working. We need to stay focused and follow the club policy of never surrendering to make it through this tricky period.