Marcelino: “We’re pleased with the huge team effort”

Athletic Club manager Marcelino García Toral praised the Lions’ teamwork after their 0-1 win against Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga Santander on Sunday evening.

Nico Serrano‘s excellent first-half strike, plus a great defensive showing in the final ten minutes, saw the Lions break Rayo unbeaten home record.

“We’re pleased with the good collective work and the huge effort made,” Marcelino said at his post-match press conference.

“I’m very satisfied because we came to a very difficult stadium. That’s what the results say. In the last 10 matches, Rayo had eight wins and two draws, those are incredible numbers.”

The Lions were certainly made to work hard for the three points. Rayo Vallecano had 67 per cent of possession and 29 shots, but Athletic’s defence managed to limit them to just three attempts on target.

“Rayo saw more of the ball, but we had clearer chances on goal,” Marcelino added.

“That’s normal with their style and it’s what they always do here. In such close games small details are what decide whether the result goes one way or the other.

“We had chances to kill off the game in the second half. If you can’t do that, it’s obvious that you’re going to suffer.

“We’re doing well. The team is solid, we’re constantly improving in defence and we’ve won away from home again.”