Realmadrid News

"I've told my players that we must be stong psychologically in order to recover," said Fabio Capello during his post-match press conference, in which he tried to have a positive attitude. "We are close to the very top of the League table, therefore we must be doing something right," added the Italian coach. Capello considers the key to the game was in Villarreal's "physical superiority."

"We suffered considerably during the second half. They were physically superior. They found it easier to recover the ball."

"I have to cheer my players up in order for them to move on. I think Villarreal proved to be a tough rival that have recovered from drawing against Sevilla last week. They are a very difficult team to defeat at home."

"We will recover Raúl and Guti next week, and we will have to see how Emerson evolves... Roberto Carlos' injury will take longer to heal. We must look ahead positively."

"We did some good things, although we suffered physically at times."

"We had three excellent chances on goal in the first half, while they only had one. They are obviously a better team than Mallorca, but I think the match was even until they scored. It's hard to play here. I am rather surprised that they haven't done better this season, although, come to think of it, they have sustained several injuries."

"These things happen and we must be strong psychologically in order to recover. I've told my players this."

"We played with Van Nistelrooy and Higuaín as forwards and with Reyes and Robinho as attacking midfielders. Nevertheless, Villarreal gave us few options of getting through. We tried, but they stopped us many times."

"We are close to the very top of the League table, therefore we must be doing something right."

Report by Luis Navarro
Photography by David R. Anchuelo
Special correspondents to Villarreal
Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell