Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos was delighted to prove the matchwinner in their Copa del Rey victory over Villarreal.

Ceballos struck to edge the 3-2 triumph.

He said, "We did have a very poor first half and the game was an uphill battle. But as the coach says, when we're up against it, we bring out that hunger and courage that make us proud of this crest. That's how we turned the game around.

“They went ahead very early and started to dominate the game. But the team did well to stay in the game, something we've done in previous matches. You should never write this team off.

“We want to take the game to the opposition, get in front and dominate. We haven't been able to do that in recent games but we have had several games in a row and lots of our players have been away at the World Cup. Now there's a run of very important games and we'll make sure we find our feet to push on from here."

On the second-half substitutes, Ceballos also said: “That's what the players are here for. You have to make the most of any game time you get in this jersey, whether it be more or less. We got to come off the bench and we were able to bring just what the team needed at that moment, which was energy and desire.

“Every player wants to get more minutes, but we know that's difficult and I'll be here fighting to play every game. I'm thrilled to have been able to win it for the team."