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Martínez: "We were not quite able to have a flawless performance"

The coach notes the fine margins involved in the 3-1 loss to Real Madrid

After RCD Espanyol were beaten 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu by Real Madrid, coach Diego Martínez spoke to the media in his post-match press conference. He believed that his side had a good start, but were not quite able to have a flawless performance.

"The start of the game was very good for us, with the goal and two clear chances. It's a shame about what happened, because there the scoreline doesn't reflect the game," he said.

"The team competed really well and focused. Either you have a perfect match or Real Madrid make you pay. It was a competitive match, at a good level. The final stretch was a shame, because Real Madrid were scared. It was a pity about Cabrera's shot as well. We competed well, especially in those first 20 minutes. The third goal tarnished things a little. Mistakes are punished heavily here and we made some avoidable ones, even though the team were very focused in general."

About Vinicius' goal, Martínez said that "Óscar Gil and Rubén Sánchezwere having a great game, but we had corrected our positioning for that cut inside that he does. It was underlined in red and from that positioning error we allowed them the chance."

"The game was open. We reached the 90th minute still in with a chance. We don't defend deeply for pleasure, but we defended very well. Honestly, I think the team were competitive and had a chance against Real Madrid until the end," assessed the coach

On the team's position in the table, Martínez stated that "We don't look at the standings. When we win two games in a row we shouldn't be euphoric, and we shouldn't be depressed now. There are eight teams separated by a very small number of points. When Matchday 38 arrives we will see what we have deserved."had is useless."