Villarreal coach Marcelino was left delighted with their 3-0 win against Rayo Vallecano.

Alexander Sorloth scored twice on the day.

Marcelino said: "There is no perfect game, when you play a good one you want to be better. We have been very good. The first half is the best since I have been here at this stage.

"It is a shame that in the last metres we did not take the best decisions. But the pace, the precision and the attacks were very good. And the defensive intensity shown meant that they did not generate us. In the second half we found the two to zero when we needed it most and we lived on the path of the first half.

On Sorloth, he said: "He played a great game with two goals, he participated in the attacking game, with mobility. A great game and the team supported him. What did I say to him in the change? It's between the two of us.

"It is very difficult to reach Europe because when you add so much, there is a moment that you can lose. And when it happens the differences increase. Adding everything up, yes, but it is difficult.

"Those who are ahead are because they have shown more consistency. Regardless of to achieve it or not, the idea is to continue with this level of play, with this solidarity on the field. We must prepare to try to win in Vigo, where there is a lot at stake."

On Alex Baena, he added: "He played an extraordinary game. The team does work and plays well and defends well, the performance of each one of them increases. Alex is a player with a lot of talent, ability, a lot of effort. With Alex at this level we will have more options to win games."