LOPETEGUI: "WE STEPPED OUR GAME UP IN THE SECOND HALF"

Julen Lopetegui was happy with his players' performance in the win against Elche: "My thoughts are positive for the result and how we played. We played well against a tough team and I feel we did get the better of them. We didn't have our shooting boots on in the first half but we got the goal in the second and justice was done. It was a tough game against a good team and we're happy."

Julen agreed that Elche's efforts in the first half could have cost them in the second: "There were a lot of breaks and they had a lot of energy in the first half, they give away very little space in the middle and they defend well. They know what their game plan is but we managed to get in behind them well and we had three clear chances in the first half. We stepped our game up in the second half. They dropped back as they tired and we were more precise. Fortunately we got the opener.

It hasn't been an easy week for Lopetegui, and he thanked his players' support: "I'll always remember that moment. They were really kind because it's been a tough week. I dedicate the win to my brother-in-law, who unfairly left us all too soon. It's been really hard, but life goes on and you have to keep going." Speaking about Europe, Julen said: "Now we need to focus on Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League. We are well aware of how demanding and exciting the competition is. We have to prepare well for a big game on Thursday night."