Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez called his side's hard-earned 2-0 win at Eibar "a team victory" as his side got back to winning ways in the league a week after they were humiliated by Barcelona at the Bernabeu.
Gareth Bale broke the deadlock in a tight game moments before the half-time break, while Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot with eight minutes remaining to clinch the victory.
Although it was far from a vintage Madrid performance, Benitez was pleased with his team's performance, and revealed that his side had been rehearsing the move which lead to Bale's goal - a short corner between James Rodriguez and Luka Modric, allowing the Croatian to chip the ball towards Bale at the near post to head home.
"This is a team victory that everyone worked hard for, the starters and the substitutes," he told a press conference
"Luckily, the training ground routine of the last week paid off and Lucas (Vazquez) and Karim (Benzema) and everyone else worked hard to ensure we got the points."
Benitez withdrew Rodriguez for Vazquez in the second half, a move that will raise eyebrows in Madrid given the focus on the reportedly fractured relationship between the coach and the Colombia international in recent weeks, but the Spaniard insisted: "James had a sensational game."
And on the performance of Ronaldo, who missed a series of good opportunities before scoring from the spot, he added: "He scored his goal, he created chances and everyone chipped in so I'm delighted with the game he had."
The coach also emphasised how difficult Eibar made things for his side at Ipurua.
"We knew that they were in good form, that they are an aggressive and intense team and that's why the triumph means so much, because they are a very tough side. I have been here in Ipurua many times and I love that such a humble team and city are in the Primera Division."
Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas reflected on what was a vital win to restore Madrid's confidence following the loss to Barcelona.
"We know we still have things to improve but getting the win today was important," he told Canal Plus.
"We've got the three points and now we need to keep on picking up points. We kept a clean sheet, which says a lot about the hard work my team-mates put in.
"We were definitely in a difficult state of mind and we have all had a tough week. But we have to improve, go out onto the pitch and give everything in every game. The three points are vital for us to fight for what we want, which is trophies. But we have to keep on improving."
Source: PA
