Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde admits Real Valladolid pushed them all the way last night.

Real Madrid won 2-0, with Valverde declaring goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois their best player.

He said: "At times it was difficult for us. We lacked mobility up front and finding attacking space was tough. We had a lot of chances, but we should have backed Benzema and Asensio up in the box a bit more. Courtois had a great game, he was key to the win.

"There are times when spaces appear in the last few minutes and you have to take advantage of them. I think we did that well.

"I sometimes play as a winger and find myself much closer to the penalty area where it's more likely that the ball will fall to me to get a shot off. When I play centrally I look to help out defensively, making it difficult for me to join in the attacks. I need to continue improving and developing and learn how to read play better. I have to try to help out defensively, the job of a midfielder is always an all-round job."