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González: "We leave here very happy"

The coach reacts to the first leg win over Sporting Gijon

Despite victory against Sporting Gijon in the first leg of RCD Espanyol's playoff semifinal, coach Manolo González is not getting carried away. He acknowledged that “it was a very difficult match against very complete opponents,” staying true to his statements made throughout the week.

“We leave here very happy. I'm very pleased with everyone's effort and work to get through the game."

The coach insisted that, despite the advantage, “it is not done yet. I have played many games like these and in a playoff, even when you are playing well, you can still lose. There's still a long way to go. I think Sporting are a great team, and if we are not at the level we are today -or better- it will be difficult for us to get through the tie.”

He also argued that “until it is fully won it cannot be taken for granted. Last year I experienced a tie with UCAM Murcia and, with two mistakes, we saw things ruined. We must give Sporting the respect they deserve. Until Thursday's game ends, nothing is decided. It's time to think about Thursday and have this same mentality"