Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa admitted he felt far more relaxed after his side secured a dramatic late victory over Celta Vigo.
The match looked set to finish level before Federico Valverde struck deep into stoppage time, giving Madrid a crucial win that keeps them firmly involved in the title race.
Without the late goal, league leaders Barcelona could have moved six points clear.
Reflecting on the performance, Arbeloa offered a straightforward explanation for his team’s approach.
“To win the game, that’s what Real Madrid plays for. That’s what we want and the objective we had today,” he said with a smile.
The match itself followed an unusual pattern. An open and fast-paced first half gave way to a more controlled second period from Madrid, although clear opportunities remained limited until the dramatic finale.
Arbeloa used the victory to highlight the club’s fighting spirit, particularly given the number of players unavailable through injury.
“There’s no better way to celebrate these 124 years of history of the best club in the world than this,” he said.
“The way Real Madrid does it: fighting against everything and everyone. In a match we came into with so many difficulties and absences. I think we have to celebrate it for how it unfolded and for how the players fought.”
The Madrid coach hopes the result can provide momentum as the season enters a crucial stage.
“For me, it’s a very important one because it changes how you approach Wednesday’s game and it guides the kind of match we want to play,” he said.
“This is Real Madrid: fighting until the end, battling. Character. Hopefully it’s a turning point and from here on out everything will go much better.
“There’s still a long way to go: 33 points. At this stage it’s almost as if the season hasn’t even started. Now everyone has so much at stake and every match is a battle.”
